rape / violation
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rape
Forcing sexual acts on a person against their will. It is a serious violent crime.
Das Opfer erstattete nach der Vergewaltigung sofort Anzeige bei der Polizei.
After the rape, the victim immediately filed a report with the police.
The word is made up of the prefix 'ver-', the noun 'Gewalt' (violence), and the ending '-ung'. The prefix 'ver-' often indicates a wrong or harmful action. The ending '-ung' turns the verb 'vergewaltigen' (to rape; to violate) into a feminine noun.
Gewalt ist niemals eine Lösung.
Violence is never a solution.
You can distinguish the meanings by looking at the victim. If the word refers to a person, the literal, criminal meaning is intended. If it refers to something abstract like an idea, art, or nature, the figurative meaning is intended.
Sie wurde Opfer einer Vergewaltigung.
She became the victim of a rape.
In legal and social contexts, the word is often used with certain verbs, e.g. 'eine Vergewaltigung anzeigen' (to report a rape), 'eine Vergewaltigung aufklären' (to solve/investigate a rape), or 'Opfer einer Vergewaltigung werden' (to become the victim of a rape).
Es ist wichtig, dass Opfer von Vergewaltigung Hilfe suchen und Anzeige erstatten.
It is important that victims of rape seek help and file a report.
The figurative meaning is a very strong, emotional word. It is used only to express extreme disregard for or distortion of something that matters to you. It is not suitable for everyday criticism.
Die Zerstörung des historischen Gebäudes ist eine Vergewaltigung der Stadtgeschichte.
The destruction of the historic building is a violation of the city's history.
abuse / misuse
'Missbrauch' and 'Vergewaltigung' can both refer to serious violence against a person, especially in the sexual context. 'Missbrauch' is broader and can mean physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. 'Vergewaltigung' is more specific and refers to forcing sexual acts against a person's will. The words can be confused because they appear in similar serious situations. When you mean forced sexual acts specifically, 'Vergewaltigung' is the more precise word. 'Missbrauch' can also include other forms of violence or exploitation.
Die Vergewaltigung wurde vor Gericht als schweres Gewaltverbrechen behandelt.
The rape was treated in court as a serious violent crime.
Die Beratungsstelle hilft Menschen, die Missbrauch erlebt haben.
The counseling center helps people who have experienced abuse.