downplaying / trivialization
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downplaying / trivialization
The act or process of presenting a matter, problem, or action as less serious, dangerous, or significant than it really is.
Die Verharmlosung von Alltagsrassismus ist ein weit verbreitetes Problem.
The downplaying of everyday racism is a widespread problem.
The word is the nominalization of the verb 'verharmlosen' (to downplay/trivialize). This is derived from the adjective 'harmlos' (harmless), which means 'without harm' or 'not causing damage'. A 'Verharmlosung' (downplaying/trivialization) is therefore the act of presenting something as harmless.
Er wurde für die Verharmlosung der Risiken stark kritisiert.
He was strongly criticized for downplaying the risks.
To express what is being downplayed, German usually uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of). The genitive construction is very common in written language.
Die Verharmlosung der Gefahr führte zu dem Unfall.
The downplaying of the danger led to the accident.
'Verharmlosung' (downplaying/trivialization) is often used in critical contexts. Typical verbs are 'jemandem Verharmlosung vorwerfen' (to accuse someone of downplaying something), 'etwas als Verharmlosung kritisieren' (to criticize something as trivialization), or 'gegen die Verharmlosung kämpfen' (to fight against the trivialization).
Die Opposition warf der Regierung eine Verharmlosung der Klimakrise vor.
The opposition accused the government of downplaying the climate crisis.
exaggeration
'Übertreibung' (exaggeration) and 'Verharmlosung' (downplaying / trivialization) both describe something being presented in a way that is not entirely realistic. The difference is the direction: with an 'Übertreibung', something is made bigger, worse, or more important than it is. With a 'Verharmlosung', something is made smaller or less serious than it is. The words can be confused because both refer to a false or one-sided portrayal. A practical way to remember it: 'Übertreibung' makes more of something, while 'Verharmlosung' makes less of it.
Die Chefin sprach von einem kleinen Problem, aber viele empfanden das als Verharmlosung.
The boss spoke of a small problem, but many saw that as downplaying it.
Dass der kleine Streit eine Katastrophe war, ist wirklich eine Übertreibung.
Saying that the small argument was a disaster is really an exaggeration.