die Verzweiflung
despair
A state of complete hopelessness and discouragement in which one no longer sees any way out.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Verzweiflung wusste er nicht mehr, was er tun sollte.
In his despair, he no longer knew what he should do.
die Verzweiflung
despair
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Verzweiflung' (despair) belongs to the verb 'verzweifeln' (to despair) and the noun 'der Zweifel' (doubt). The prefix 'ver-' here intensifies the idea of doubt to the point of hopelessness.
EXAMPLE
Er war am Verzweifeln, weil er keine Lösung fand.
He was despairing because he couldn't find a solution.
Typical collocations
Common expressions are 'in seiner/ihrer Verzweiflung' (in his/her despair), doing something 'aus reiner Verzweiflung' (out of sheer desperation), or 'jemanden zur Verzweiflung bringen' (to drive someone to despair).
EXAMPLE
Aus Verzweiflung rief sie mitten in der Nacht ihre beste Freundin an.
Out of desperation, she called her best friend in the middle of the night.
Register and style
'Verzweiflung' (despair) is a very strong word that describes a state of complete hopelessness. It is used more in serious or dramatic contexts.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Verlust ihres Arbeitsplatzes ergriff sie die pure Verzweiflung.
After losing her job, she was seized by sheer despair.
In real life
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