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.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Vergessenheit' (oblivion) is derived directly from the verb 'vergessen' (to forget). The ending '-heit' forms an abstract noun that describes the state of being forgotten.
EXAMPLE
Dank des Internets werden viele Informationen vor der Vergessenheit bewahrt.
Thanks to the internet, a lot of information is saved from oblivion.
Fixed expressions
This word is used almost only in fixed expressions. The most common one is 'in Vergessenheit geraten' (to fall into oblivion), which means that something is slowly forgotten. The opposite is 'etwas aus der Vergessenheit holen' (to bring something back from oblivion).
EXAMPLE
Viele alte Traditionen sind leider in Vergessenheit geraten.
Many old traditions have unfortunately fallen into oblivion.
Correct preposition
In the phrase 'in Vergessenheit geraten' (to fall into oblivion), 'in' is used with the accusative. The verb 'geraten' (to get into / to fall into) describes a movement into a new state here.
EXAMPLE
Sein Name ist nach seinem Tod schnell in Vergessenheit geraten.
After his death, his name quickly fell into oblivion.
Compare with
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).
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.