Membel
German NOUN C1 Rank 7236

die Vergessenheit

oblivion

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Meanings

01

die Vergessenheit

oblivion

The state in which something or someone has been completely forgotten and is no longer present in people's memory or in public awareness. The word is used almost exclusively in fixed phrases such as 'in Vergessenheit geraten' (to fall into oblivion).

example

Viele alte Handwerkskünste sind über die Jahrzehnte in Vergessenheit geraten.

Many old crafts have fallen into oblivion over the decades.

Visual example for Vergessenheit: die Vergessenheit

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antonym · confusable

Vergessenheit vs Erinnerung

memory / reminder

'die Erinnerung' and 'die Vergessenheit' are opposites. An 'Erinnerung' means that something remains in memory or becomes conscious again. 'Vergessenheit' means that something is no longer present and is no longer noticed or remembered by people. The words can be confused because both have to do with memory. Usage is also important: 'Vergessenheit' is used almost only in fixed phrases such as 'in Vergessenheit geraten' (to fall into oblivion).

Visual example for Erinnerung
Vergessenheit

Das alte Lied geriet nach vielen Jahren fast in Vergessenheit.

After many years, the old song almost fell into oblivion.

Erinnerung

In der Pause erzählt meine Schwester von einer Erinnerung aus ihrer Ausbildung.

During the break, my sister tells us about a memory from her training.

Open full lesson: Erinnerung →

In real life

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