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die Verachtung

B1 noun #7,000 most common 9 min read

die Verachtung

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips die Verachtung in 30 Seconds

Explanation die Verachtung in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'die Verachtung' is a very advanced word. Beginners usually learn 'nicht mögen' (not like) or 'schlecht' (bad). However, it is useful to know that 'Achtung' means 'attention' or 'respect'. If you see 'Verachtung', think of it as the opposite of respect. You might see it in simple stories where a 'bad' character looks at a 'good' character. Just remember: it is a very strong negative feeling. It is a feminine noun: die Verachtung. Example: 'Er ist nicht nett, er hat Verachtung für alle.' (He is not nice, he has contempt for everyone.)

At A2, you are starting to express more complex feelings. While you might not use 'Verachtung' yourself, you will encounter it in reading. It is important to distinguish it from 'Hass' (hate). Hate is loud and angry; Verachtung is quiet and mean. You can remember it by the verb 'achten' (to respect). If you 'ver-achten' someone, you are doing the 'opposite' of respecting them. It is often used with 'für'. Example: 'Sie zeigt ihre Verachtung für das alte Auto.' (She shows her contempt for the old car.)

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'die Verachtung' to describe social situations or character traits. This is the level where you learn that nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine. You should also learn the common verb 'empfinden' (to feel) which often goes with this word. B1 learners should understand that this word is formal and serious. It is used to talk about values and ethics. Example: 'Die Verachtung der Menschenrechte ist ein großes Problem.' (The contempt for human rights is a big problem.)

At B2, you should master the nuances of 'Verachtung' versus its synonyms like 'Geringschätzung' or 'Abscheu'. You should be comfortable using the preposition 'gegenüber' in a post-positional way: 'den Regeln gegenüber'. You also start to see the word in political news and more complex literature. You should be able to explain *why* someone feels Verachtung in a discussion. Example: 'Seine offene Verachtung gegenüber seinen Kollegen ruinierte das Arbeitsklima.' (His open contempt towards his colleagues ruined the working atmosphere.)

At C1, you use 'die Verachtung' with precision. You understand its philosophical weight, perhaps in the context of Nietzsche or other German thinkers. You can use idiomatic expressions like 'mit Verachtung strafen' (to punish with contempt/ignore). You also recognize the word in its compound forms like 'Selbstverachtung' or 'Menschenverachtung'. Your vocabulary includes the adjective 'verächtlich' and you can distinguish between a contemptuous person and a contemptible act. Example: 'Die zynische Verachtung, mit der er die Sorgen der Bürger abtat, führte zu Protesten.' (The cynical contempt with which he dismissed the citizens' concerns led to protests.)

At C2, 'die Verachtung' is a tool for subtle social and psychological analysis. You can discuss the word's role in the 'Moral der Verachtung' and its historical implications in German history. You understand the phonetic and rhythmic impact of the word in poetry and high-level rhetoric. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, such as 'die Verachtung des Todes' (contempt for death/fearlessness). You are aware of its legal nuances and its place in the highest registers of the German language. Example: 'In der ästhetischen Theorie Adornos findet man eine gewisse Verachtung für die bloße Unterhaltungskultur.' (In Adorno's aesthetic theory, one finds a certain contempt for mere entertainment culture.)

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

die Verachtung in 30 Seconds

Verachtung is the German word for contempt or disdain.
It is a feminine noun (die) and is very strong emotionally.
It implies looking down on someone as inferior or worthless.
Commonly used with prepositions 'für' or 'gegenüber' in formal contexts.

The German noun die Verachtung is a powerful and emotionally charged word that translates to 'contempt' or 'disdain' in English. It describes a profound feeling that someone or something is worthless, beneath consideration, or deserving of utter scorn. Unlike simple dislike or even hatred, which can be passionate and energetic, Verachtung often carries a cold, distancing quality. It implies a perceived hierarchy where the person feeling contempt views the object of their emotion as fundamentally inferior or morally bankrupt. In psychological terms, contempt is often cited as one of the 'deadly' emotions in relationships because it involves a lack of empathy and a rejection of the other person's basic dignity. In German society, expressing Verachtung is a serious matter; it is not a word used lightly in casual conversation. It is found frequently in literature, high-level journalism, and philosophical discussions regarding ethics and social behavior.

Emotional Depth: Verachtung is more than just anger; it is a judgment of worthlessness. When you feel Verachtung, you are not just mad at someone; you are dismissing their entire character as inferior.
Social Context: It is often used in political discourse to describe how one party views the populist or elitist views of another. It signifies a complete breakdown of mutual respect.
Etymological Root: The word stems from 'achten' (to respect). The prefix 'ver-' here acts as a negator or indicates a perversion of the root, effectively meaning 'to un-respect' or 'to look away from with disfavor'.

Sein Blick war voller Verachtung, als er den Betrüger ansah.

Translation: His gaze was full of contempt as he looked at the fraudster.

Sie empfand tiefe Verachtung für jegliche Form von Tierquälerei.

Translation: She felt deep disdain for any form of animal cruelty.

Die Verachtung der Gesetze führt zwangsläufig zum Chaos.

Translation: The contempt for the laws inevitably leads to chaos.

Mit einer Geste der Verachtung wies er das Bestechungsgeld zurück.

Translation: With a gesture of contempt, he rejected the bribe.

Es ist schwer, die Verachtung zu verbergen, wenn man belogen wird.

Translation: It is hard to hide the disdain when one is being lied to.

Furthermore, Verachtung is often associated with the 'nose-up' gesture or a curled lip in German culture, signaling that something 'stinks' morally. It is a word that appears in the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, who often wrote about the 'Verachtung des Leibes' (contempt for the body) in religious traditions. When using this word, be aware that you are describing a very strong, often irreversible sentiment. It suggests that the bridge of respect has been burned. In modern social media contexts, Verachtung is frequently used to describe the reaction of the public toward scandals involving corruption or hypocrisy. It is a pillar of German moral vocabulary, used to delineate the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behavior by showcasing what is looked down upon.

Using die Verachtung correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. As a feminine noun, it always takes the article die in the nominative. It is most frequently used with the prepositions für (for) or gegenüber (towards). When you use 'gegenüber', it usually follows the object: seine Verachtung den Regeln gegenüber (his contempt towards the rules). When using 'für', it follows the noun directly: seine Verachtung für die Regeln. Common verbs that pair with this noun include empfinden (to feel), ausdrücken (to express), zeigen (to show), and strafen (to punish—specifically in the idiom 'mit Verachtung strafen', meaning to treat someone with cold disdain or to ignore them as a form of punishment).

With 'empfinden': This describes the internal feeling. 'Er empfindet nur Verachtung für seine Feinde' (He feels only contempt for his enemies).
With 'strafen': A common idiomatic usage. 'Sie strafte ihn mit Verachtung' means she ignored him so thoroughly and coldly that it served as a punishment.
Adjectival Use: While 'verächtlich' is the adjective (contemptuous), the noun is often modified by adjectives like 'tief' (deep), 'offen' (open), or 'völlig' (complete).

Es ist unerträglich, diese ständige Verachtung zu spüren.

Translation: It is unbearable to feel this constant contempt.

Seine Verachtung für die Armen war in jeder seiner Reden spürbar.

Translation: His contempt for the poor was palpable in every one of his speeches.

Trotz seiner Verachtung gegenüber der Politik, ging er wählen.

Translation: Despite his contempt towards politics, he went to vote.

One should also note that Verachtung can be used in a self-reflective way: Selbstverachtung (self-contempt). This is a strong term for self-loathing. In writing, especially in news headlines, you might see Menschenverachtung, which refers to a disregard for human life or dignity, often used to describe the actions of dictators or terrorists. Because Verachtung is a 'U-Declension' style feminine noun (though it doesn't change much), its plural Verachtungen is technically possible but almost never used, as the concept is usually treated as an abstract uncountable mass noun. When you want to sound more formal, you can use the phrase voller Verachtung (full of contempt) to describe a person's state of mind or an action's character.

You will encounter die Verachtung in various high-stakes environments. In German literature, from the classical period to modern novels, authors use it to define the tension between characters of different social classes or moral standings. For instance, a noble might look with Verachtung upon a commoner, or a revolutionary might express Verachtung for the ruling class. In the modern world, the word is a staple of political commentary. When a politician breaks a promise or acts unethically, commentators often speak of the Verachtung that the public feels toward the 'political elite'. It is also a key term in legal and human rights contexts.

News & Media: Used to describe social reactions to scandals. 'Die öffentliche Verachtung war groß.'
Psychology & Self-Help: Discussions about toxic relationships often focus on 'Verachtung' as a sign that a relationship is failing.
Historical Texts: Descriptions of the Nazi regime often use 'Menschenverachtung' to characterize their ideology.

In der Talkshow wurde die Verachtung für die neuen Reformen deutlich.

Translation: In the talk show, the contempt for the new reforms became clear.

Der Film thematisiert die Verachtung zwischen den rivalisierenden Banden.

Translation: The film themes the contempt between the rivaling gangs.

In everyday life, you might not hear a friend say 'Ich habe Verachtung für dich' unless they are ending the friendship in a very dramatic fashion. Instead, you might hear it used to describe a third party: 'Ich kann seine Verachtung für einfache Arbeit nicht verstehen' (I can't understand his contempt for simple work). It is also used in sports to describe a player's attitude toward an opponent they don't take seriously. Interestingly, the word is also part of the title of a famous film by Jean-Luc Godard, 'Le Mépris', which in German is 'Die Verachtung', illustrating its place in high culture and art. When you hear this word, pay attention to the tone; it is almost always delivered with a sense of gravity and moral finality.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is confusing die Verachtung with words that sound similar or have related but distinct meanings. A frequent error is mixing it up with Vorsicht (caution) or Achtung (attention/respect). While Achtung is the root, Verachtung is its polar opposite. Another mistake is using the wrong gender. Since it ends in '-ung', it is always feminine (die), but students sometimes default to masculine because 'contempt' feels like a 'strong' or 'hard' word. Grammatically, students often struggle with the prepositional phrases, incorrectly using 'auf' or 'an' instead of the standard für or gegenüber.

Confusion with 'Hass': Hate is active and emotional; Verachtung is judgmental and distancing. Don't use them interchangeably if you mean to imply inferiority.
False Friend: 'Attention': In some contexts, 'Achtung' means 'Attention!'. 'Verachtung' never means 'lack of attention'; it always means a negative judgment of value.
Preposition Errors: Incorrect: Verachtung zu jemandem. Correct: Verachtung für jemanden / gegenüber jemandem.

Falsch: Er hat einen Verachtung. Richtig: Er hat eine Verachtung.

Note: Always use feminine articles and endings.

Additionally, learners sometimes confuse the noun Verachtung with the verb verachten (to despise). While they are related, the noun is used for the state of feeling, whereas the verb is for the action. For example, 'Ich verachte ihn' (I despise him) vs. 'Ich empfinde Verachtung für ihn' (I feel contempt for him). The latter is often considered more sophisticated or 'literary'. Avoid using Verachtung in very minor situations, like not liking a specific type of vegetable; it is too heavy a word for that. Using it for trivial things can make you sound overly dramatic or even arrogant. Reserve it for matters of character, morality, and significant social issues.

German has several words that overlap with die Verachtung, but each has its own nuance. Understanding these differences is key to achieving B2 or C1 proficiency. Geringschätzung is perhaps the closest synonym, but it is slightly milder; it implies 'low esteem' or 'undervalue' rather than the active scorn of Verachtung. Hohn and Spott involve an element of mockery or ridicule—when you feel Verachtung, you might express it through Hohn. Abscheu (disgust/loathing) is more visceral and physical, while Verachtung is more intellectual and judgmental.

Verachtung vs. Geringschätzung: Verachtung is intense and personal; Geringschätzung is often used in professional contexts to mean someone's work wasn't valued enough.
Verachtung vs. Abscheu: Abscheu is like being grossed out; Verachtung is like looking down from a height.
Verachtung vs. Missachtung: Missachtung usually refers to ignoring rules or signals (e.g., Missachtung der Vorfahrt - ignoring right of way).

Statt Verachtung zu zeigen, reagierte er mit Gleichgültigkeit.

Translation: Instead of showing contempt, he reacted with indifference.

If you want to describe a person who is prone to these feelings, you would call them verächtlich (contemptuous) or describe their behavior as herablassend (condescending). Another interesting alternative is Dünkel, an old-fashioned word for arrogance combined with contempt for others. In modern slang, you might hear people say someone is 'arrogant' or 'eingebildet', but these don't capture the specific 'looking down' aspect of Verachtung. When writing formally, choosing between these synonyms depends on whether you want to emphasize the emotional intensity (Verachtung), the lack of value (Geringschätzung), or the outward mockery (Hohn).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'achten' is related to the English word 'reckon'. So, 'Verachtung' is literally 'mis-reckoning' or 'reckoning someone as nothing'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fɛɐ̯ˈʔaxtʊŋ/

US /fɛrˈɑxtʊŋ/

The stress is on the second syllable: Ver-ACH-tung.

Rhymes With

Achtung Beachtung Betrachtung Umnachtung Pachtung Schlachtung Frachtung Übernachtung

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'v' like a 'v' in 'very' (it should be an 'f' sound).
Pronouncing the 'ch' like 'sh' (it should be deeper in the throat).
Stressing the first syllable (Ver-).
Failing to pronounce the 'g' at the end clearly.
Mixing up the 'a' sound with an 'e' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in newspapers and books, easy to recognize due to -ung ending.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct preposition usage (für/gegenüber) and feminine endings.

Speaking 4/5

The 'ach-laut' and the 'v' as 'f' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

achten Achtung fühlen schlecht gegenüber

Learn Next

verächtlich Geringschätzung Abscheu Hohn strafen

Advanced

Menschenverachtung Dünkel Herablassung Ekel Zynismus

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine.

Die Verachtung, die Hoffnung, die Richtung.

Preposition 'gegenüber' can follow the noun it governs.

Sein Verhalten den Lehrern gegenüber war respektlos.

The prefix 'ver-' often creates a word with a negative or transformative meaning.

achten (respect) -> verachten (despise).

Genitive case for showing possession or relation in formal German.

Die Verachtung des Volkes war spürbar.

Dative case after 'mit'.

Er sprach mit tiefer Verachtung.

Examples by Level

Er hat viel Verachtung für den Mann.

He has much contempt for the man.

Noun is feminine: die Verachtung.

Ist das Verachtung?

Is that contempt?

Simple question structure.

Ich sehe Verachtung in seinen Augen.

I see contempt in his eyes.

Preposition 'in' takes the dative 'seinen Augen'.

Verachtung ist kein schönes Wort.

Contempt is not a nice word.

Subject of the sentence.

Sie zeigt ihre Verachtung.

She shows her contempt.

Direct object in the accusative (ihre Verachtung).

Keine Verachtung, bitte!

No contempt, please!

Imperative-style request.

Er spricht mit Verachtung.

He speaks with contempt.

'Mit' always takes the dative.

Die Verachtung ist groß.

The contempt is great.

Adjective 'groß' describes the noun.

Warum hast du so viel Verachtung für ihn?

Why do you have so much contempt for him?

Question with 'warum' and preposition 'für'.

Ich fühle keine Verachtung, nur Traurigkeit.

I feel no contempt, only sadness.

Negative 'keine' matches feminine noun.

Seine Verachtung war deutlich zu sehen.

His contempt was clearly to be seen.

Passive-like structure with 'zu sehen'.

Er blickte mit Verachtung auf das Geschenk.

He looked with contempt at the gift.

Verb 'blicken auf' + accusative.

Verachtung hilft uns nicht weiter.

Contempt does not help us further.

Subject with 'uns' as dative object for 'helfen'.

Sie verbirgt ihre Verachtung nicht.

She does not hide her contempt.

Verb 'verbergen' (to hide).

Das ist eine Geste der Verachtung.

That is a gesture of contempt.

Genitive case: 'der Verachtung'.

Können wir ohne Verachtung sprechen?

Can we speak without contempt?

'Ohne' takes the accusative.

Die Verachtung für die Umwelt ist erschreckend.

The contempt for the environment is frightening.

Complex subject with prepositional phrase.

Er empfindet tiefe Verachtung für Lügner.

He feels deep contempt for liars.

Verb 'empfinden' is typical for emotions.

Mit Verachtung strafte sie seinen dummen Kommentar.

She punished his stupid comment with contempt (ignored it).

Idiom: 'mit Verachtung strafen'.

Es gibt eine gewisse Verachtung gegenüber der Tradition.

There is a certain contempt towards tradition.

Preposition 'gegenüber' + dative.

Seine Verachtung war der Grund für den Streit.

His contempt was the reason for the argument.

Noun as the cause in a sentence.

Sie konnte die Verachtung in seiner Stimme hören.

She could hear the contempt in his voice.

Modal verb 'konnte' with infinitive 'hören'.

Trotz seiner Verachtung blieb er höflich.

Despite his contempt, he remained polite.

'Trotz' + genitive.

Diese Verachtung ist völlig unbegründet.

This contempt is completely unfounded.

Adverb 'völlig' modifying the adjective.

Die Verachtung des Gesetzes kann schwere Folgen haben.

The contempt for the law can have serious consequences.

Genitive 'des Gesetzes' following the noun.

Er drückte seine Verachtung durch ein kurzes Lachen aus.

He expressed his contempt through a short laugh.

Separable verb 'ausdrücken'.

Ihre Verachtung für oberflächliche Gespräche ist bekannt.

Her contempt for superficial conversations is well-known.

Adjective 'oberflächlich' in the plural dative.

Oft ist Verachtung eine Maske für Unsicherheit.

Often, contempt is a mask for insecurity.

Metaphorical usage.

Die Verachtung der Massenmedien wächst stetig.

The contempt for mass media is growing steadily.

Genitive plural 'der Massenmedien'.

Er begegnete ihr mit einer Mischung aus Angst und Verachtung.

He met her with a mixture of fear and contempt.

Verb 'begegnen' + dative object.

Niemand sollte mit solcher Verachtung behandelt werden.

No one should be treated with such contempt.

Passive voice with modal verb.

Seine Verachtung war so groß, dass er kein Wort sagte.

His contempt was so great that he didn't say a word.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Die Menschenverachtung dieses Regimes ist beispiellos.

The contempt for humanity shown by this regime is unprecedented.

Compound noun: Menschen + Verachtung.

Er blickte mit unverhohlener Verachtung auf die Korruption herab.

He looked down on the corruption with unconcealed contempt.

Adjective 'unverhohlen' (unconcealed).

In seinen Schriften äußert er eine tiefe Verachtung für das Bürgertum.

In his writings, he expresses a deep contempt for the bourgeoisie.

Verb 'äußern' (to express/utter).

Diese Verachtung zeugt von einem Mangel an Empathie.

This contempt testifies to a lack of empathy.

Verb 'zeugen von' + dative.

Sie begegnete den Vorwürfen mit kühler Verachtung.

She met the accusations with cool contempt.

Adjective 'kühl' used metaphorically.

Die Verachtung des Intellekts führt oft in den Populismus.

The contempt for the intellect often leads to populism.

Abstract social analysis.

Er konnte seine Verachtung kaum noch zügeln.

He could hardly restrain his contempt anymore.

Verb 'zügeln' (to rein in/restrain).

Seine Selbstverachtung trieb ihn in die Isolation.

His self-contempt drove him into isolation.

Compound noun: Selbst + Verachtung.

Die Verachtung als psychologischer Abwehrmechanismus ist gut erforscht.

Contempt as a psychological defense mechanism is well researched.

Scientific/Academic register.

Nietzsches Philosophie ist von einer produktiven Verachtung durchzogen.

Nietzsche's philosophy is permeated by a productive contempt.

Passive voice with 'von' agent.

Die Verachtung gegenüber dem Trivialen prägte sein gesamtes Werk.

The contempt for the trivial shaped his entire body of work.

Nominalization of 'trivial'.

Es ist eine Verachtung, die über den bloßen Hass hinausgeht.

It is a contempt that goes beyond mere hatred.

Relative clause with 'hinausgehen über'.

Ihre Verachtung war so sublim, dass sie kaum wahrnehmbar war.

Her contempt was so sublime that it was barely perceptible.

Adjective 'sublim' (sublime/subtle).

Die Verachtung des Todes galt einst als höchste Tugend.

Contempt for death was once considered the highest virtue.

Historical context usage.

Er kultivierte seine Verachtung wie eine kostbare Pflanze.

He cultivated his contempt like a precious plant.

Simile (Vergleich).

In der Verachtung liegt oft eine verborgene Bewunderung.

In contempt, there is often a hidden admiration.

Paradoxical statement.

Common Collocations

tiefe Verachtung

offene Verachtung

völlige Verachtung

Verachtung empfinden

Verachtung ausdrücken

voller Verachtung

aus Verachtung

gegenseitige Verachtung

stille Verachtung

Verachtung zeigen

Common Phrases

mit Verachtung strafen

— To ignore someone as a way of showing disdain. It is a powerful social punishment.

Anstatt zu antworten, strafte sie ihn mit Verachtung.

voller Verachtung sein

— To be completely filled with the feeling of contempt. Used for people or looks.

Seine Worte waren voller Verachtung für die Schwachen.

jemanden mit Verachtung ansehen

— To look at someone in a way that shows they are worthless. Focuses on the visual expression.

Die Königin sah den Dieb mit Verachtung an.

Verachtung für das Leben

— A disregard for the value of human life. Often used in dark or historical contexts.

Der Mörder zeigte eine totale Verachtung für das Leben.

eine Geste der Verachtung

— A physical movement (like a spit or a wave) that symbolizes disdain.

Er warf das Geld mit einer Geste der Verachtung weg.

Verachtung gegenüber Autoritäten

— Disdain for people in power or rules. Common in political discussions.

Die Jugend zeigt oft Verachtung gegenüber Autoritäten.

tiefe Verachtung verspüren

— To feel a strong internal sense of contempt. 'Verspüren' is a synonym for 'empfinden'.

Beim Lesen des Briefes verspürte er tiefe Verachtung.

Verachtung hegen

— To harbor or hold onto contempt over a long period. 'Hegen' implies nursing a feeling.

Er hegte jahrelang Verachtung gegen seine Familie.

keine Spur von Verachtung

— To show absolutely no contempt, even when it might be expected. Implies kindness.

In ihrer Stimme war keine Spur von Verachtung zu hören.

Zynismus und Verachtung

— Two traits often paired together in descriptions of bitter or arrogant people.

Sein Charakter war geprägt von Zynismus und Verachtung.

Often Confused With

die Verachtung vs Vorsicht

Sounds slightly similar but means 'caution'. 'Vorsicht' is about safety; 'Verachtung' is about disdain.

die Verachtung vs Achtung

The root word. 'Achtung' is positive (respect) or neutral (attention); 'Verachtung' is negative (contempt).

die Verachtung vs Beachtung

Means 'notice' or 'consideration'. 'Er schenkte ihr keine Beachtung' means he didn't notice her; 'Er schenkte ihr Verachtung' means he actively looked down on her.

Idioms & Expressions

"mit Verachtung strafen"

— To ignore someone completely to show they are beneath you. This is the most common idiom.

Er hat mich den ganzen Abend mit Verachtung gestraft.

neutral

"die Verachtung des Todes"

— To be completely fearless, acting as if death is not worth worrying about.

Die Soldaten kämpften mit einer Verachtung des Todes.

literary

"ein Blick, der Verachtung spricht"

— A look that is so clear it doesn't need words to express disdain.

Sie warf ihm einen Blick zu, der Bände an Verachtung sprach.

literary

"In Verachtung versinken"

— To become completely consumed by feelings of contempt.

Nach dem Skandal versank er in allgemeiner Verachtung.

poetic

"Sich der Verachtung preisgeben"

— To act in a way that makes everyone look down on you.

Mit dieser Lüge hat er sich der Verachtung preisgegeben.

formal

"Jenseits aller Verachtung"

— To be so bad that even contempt is too good for it.

Seine Taten waren jenseits aller Verachtung.

rhetorical

"Verachtung säen"

— To act in a way that causes others to start feeling contempt.

Wer Lügen verbreitet, sät Verachtung.

metaphorical

"Von Verachtung gezeichnet"

— To show the physical signs of having felt or received much contempt.

Sein Gesicht war von Verachtung gezeichnet.

literary

"Verachtung atmen"

— To be so full of contempt that it seems to come out of every pore.

Jedes seiner Worte schien Verachtung zu atmen.

poetic

"Eine Mauer aus Verachtung"

— Using contempt as a barrier to keep others away emotionally.

Sie baute eine Mauer aus Verachtung um sich herum auf.

metaphorical

Easily Confused

die Verachtung vs Hass

Both are strong negative emotions.

Hate (Hass) is an intense desire to hurt or destroy; Contempt (Verachtung) is a judgment that the other is inferior and not worth the effort of hate.

Ich hasse den Krieg, aber ich verachte den Feigling.

die Verachtung vs Ekel

Contempt is often called 'moral disgust'.

Ekel is a visceral, bodily reaction to something gross; Verachtung is a social and moral judgment.

Der Anblick von Blut erregt Ekel; seine Lügen erregen Verachtung.

die Verachtung vs Geringschätzung

They share the meaning of 'low value'.

Geringschätzung is often milder and can be accidental (underestimating someone); Verachtung is intentional and emotionally charged.

Seine Geringschätzung meiner Zeit war nervig, aber seine Verachtung für meine Familie war unverzeihlich.

die Verachtung vs Missachtung

Both involve a lack of respect.

Missachtung is usually about rules or signals; Verachtung is about people or abstract values.

Die Missachtung der Vorfahrt führte zum Unfall.

die Verachtung vs Spott

Both involve looking down on others.

Spott is the outward act of making fun; Verachtung is the internal feeling that fuels the spott.

Sein Spott war ein Ausdruck seiner tiefen Verachtung.

Sentence Patterns

Ich habe [Noun] für [Person].

Ich habe Verachtung für ihn.

Er empfindet [Adjective] Verachtung für [Thema].

Er empfindet tiefe Verachtung für Lügen.

Sie strafte ihn mit Verachtung.

Sie strafte seinen Witz mit Verachtung.

Seine Verachtung [Dative] gegenüber ist klar.

Seine Verachtung den Regeln gegenüber ist klar.

Es ist ein Zeichen von [Noun].

Es ist ein Zeichen von Verachtung.

Die [Compound Noun] ist ein Problem.

Die Menschenverachtung ist ein Problem.

Mit [Adjective] Verachtung begegnete er [Dative].

Mit kühler Verachtung begegnete er dem Feind.

In der Verachtung [Genitive] liegt [Noun].

In der Verachtung des Todes liegt Freiheit.

Word Family

Nouns

der Verächter (the despiser/scorner)

die Menschenverachtung (contempt for humanity)

die Selbstverachtung (self-contempt)

Verbs

verachten (to despise/scorn)

achten (to respect/heed)

beachten (to notice/pay attention to)

Adjectives

verächtlich (contemptuous/despicable)

achtenswert (worthy of respect)

beachtlich (considerable/remarkable)

Achtung

Missachtung

Geringschätzung

Verächtlichkeit

Hochachtung

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written German; moderately common in serious spoken German.

Common Mistakes

Using 'der Verachtung'. → die Verachtung
Nouns ending in '-ung' are always feminine. Using the masculine article is a basic error that changes the grammar of the whole sentence.
Confusing 'Verachtung' with 'Vorsicht'. → Verachtung (contempt), Vorsicht (caution)
These sound vaguely similar to beginners. Remember: 'Vorsicht' is for danger, 'Verachtung' is for someone you don't like.
Saying 'Verachtung zu jemandem'. → Verachtung für jemanden / gegenüber jemandem
Prepositions are tricky. In German, you feel contempt 'for' (für) or 'towards' (gegenüber) someone, never 'to' (zu).
Stressing the 'Ver-' prefix. → Stress on '-ach-' (ver-ACH-tung)
In German, 'ver-' is an unstressed prefix. Putting stress on it makes the word hard to understand for native speakers.
Using 'Verachtung' for 'not paying attention'. → Unaufmerksamkeit / Missachtung
While 'Achtung' can mean attention, 'Verachtung' never means 'lack of attention'. It always implies a negative value judgment.

Tips

The -ung Rule

Always remember that nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine. This makes 'die Verachtung' easy to categorize. Use 'die', 'einer', and 'meine' accordingly. This rule has no exceptions in German.

Root Recognition

Look at the root 'acht'. You know it from 'Achtung' (Respect/Attention) and 'acht' (eight). Connecting it to 'respect' helps you remember that 'Ver-achtung' is the perversion of respect.

Avoid Hyperbole

Don't use 'Verachtung' for small things like bad food or a rainy day. It's a heavy word for serious moral or social disdain. Using it for trifles makes you sound like a drama queen.

The First Syllable

The prefix 'ver-' is never stressed in German verbs or nouns derived from them. Always put the stress on the root: ver-ACH-tung. This makes your German sound much more natural.

News Context

When reading German news (like Spiegel or Zeit), look for this word in articles about corruption or political scandals. It will help you see how the word is used to express public outrage.

Silence is Contempt

The idiom 'mit Verachtung strafen' is very useful. It describes the act of ignoring someone on purpose. It's a great way to describe a scene in a story or a social interaction.

Downward Look

Think of the word as a vertical emotion. You are 'above' and the object of your 'Verachtung' is 'below'. This spatial metaphor is built into the way Germans use and perceive the word.

Strong Adjectives

Pair 'Verachtung' with adjectives like 'tief' (deep), 'eisig' (icy), or 'unverhohlen' (unconcealed) to give your writing more impact and precision.

Contempt vs. Hate

In an essay, comparing 'Hass' and 'Verachtung' can show a high level of language mastery. Hate is 'heiß' (hot), while contempt is 'kalt' (cold).

Visualizing the 'V'

Imagine the 'V' in Verachtung as an arrow pointing down. It reminds you that the feeling is about looking down on someone or something.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Achtung' (Attention/Respect). The prefix 'Ver-' often means 'gone wrong'. So 'Verachtung' is respect that has gone completely wrong—contempt.

Visual Association

Imagine someone standing on a tall ladder looking down at someone on the ground through a magnifying glass, making a disgusted face.

Word Web

Respekt (Opposite) Ekel (Related) Stolz (Often a cause) Hass (Sister emotion) Blick (Expression) Kalt (Temperature of the feeling) Unten (Direction of the look) Wertlos (The judgment)

Challenge

Try to use 'Verachtung' in a sentence about a movie villain today. Then, try to use its opposite 'Hochachtung' for a hero.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German 'verachten', which comes from the Old High German 'firahtōn'. It is a combination of the prefix 'ver-' and the root 'achten'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was 'not to heed' or 'to disregard'. Over time, it evolved from a simple lack of attention to an active feeling of disdain.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be careful using this word about people; it is a very strong judgment of their character and can be seen as very aggressive or arrogant.

In English, 'contempt' is often associated with 'contempt of court'. In German, 'Verachtung' is more broadly emotional and social.

Jean-Luc Godard's film 'Le Mépris' (German: Die Verachtung). Friedrich Nietzsche's 'Also sprach Zarathustra' contains many passages on Verachtung. The phrase 'mit Verachtung strafen' is a staple of German 19th-century novels (e.g., Fontane).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics

Verachtung der Demokratie
populistische Verachtung
Verachtung für die Eliten
politische Verachtung

Relationships

Verachtung in der Ehe
gegenseitige Verachtung
mit Verachtung strafen
keine Verachtung zeigen

Social Justice

Menschenverachtung
Verachtung der Rechte
soziale Verachtung
System der Verachtung

Literature/Art

ästhetische Verachtung
Verachtung der Welt
tragische Verachtung
Blick der Verachtung

Law

Verachtung des Gerichts
Gesetzesverachtung
Verachtung der Zeugen
strafbare Verachtung

Conversation Starters

"Glaubst du, dass Verachtung schlimmer ist als Hass?"

"Hast du schon mal jemanden mit Verachtung gestraft?"

"Warum empfinden manche Menschen so viel Verachtung für moderne Kunst?"

"Wie reagierst du, wenn dir jemand mit Verachtung begegnet?"

"Kann Verachtung jemals gerechtfertigt sein, zum Beispiel bei Verbrechen?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du Verachtung für ein Verhalten empfunden hast. Warum war das so?

Reflektiere über den Unterschied zwischen Verachtung und einfacher Ablehnung in deinem eigenen Leben.

Stelle dir vor, eine Welt ohne Verachtung zu beschreiben. Wie würden Konflikte dort gelöst werden?

Beschreibe eine literarische Figur, die durch ihre Verachtung für andere bekannt ist.

Wie kann man Verachtung in einer Beziehung überwinden? Schreibe deine Gedanken dazu auf.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Ja, in der Schriftsprache und in formellen Diskussionen ist es sehr häufig. Im Alltag wird es seltener benutzt, da es sehr stark und dramatisch wirkt. Man findet es oft in Zeitungen, wenn über Politik oder soziale Probleme berichtet wird. In der Literatur ist es ein Schlüsselwort, um Konflikte zwischen Charakteren zu beschreiben.

'Verachten' ist das Verb (die Handlung), zum Beispiel: 'Ich verachte Lügen.' 'Verachtung' ist das Nomen (das Gefühl), zum Beispiel: 'Ich empfinde Verachtung für Lügen.' Das Nomen wird oft in formelleren Kontexten verwendet oder wenn man das Gefühl als Konzept beschreiben möchte.

Eigentlich nicht, es ist fast immer negativ. Es gibt jedoch die Wendung 'Verachtung des Todes', was Tapferkeit oder Furchtlosigkeit bedeutet. In diesem speziellen Fall wird das Wort fast wie ein Kompliment für den Mut einer Person verwendet, aber die Grundbedeutung bleibt 'etwas für unwichtig halten'.

Beide sind richtig, werden aber unterschiedlich verwendet. 'Verachtung für jemanden' ist direkter und häufiger. 'Verachtung jemandem gegenüber' (oder gegenüber jemandem) klingt etwas formeller und betont die Haltung. Beispiel: 'Meine Verachtung für ihn' vs. 'Meine Verachtung ihm gegenüber'.

Obwohl man es wörtlich mit 'Verachtung des Gerichts' übersetzen könnte, nutzt das deutsche Rechtssystem Begriffe wie 'Ungebühr vor Gericht' oder 'Missachtung des Gerichts'. 'Verachtung' wird eher in der allgemeinen Sprache für dieses Konzept verwendet, nicht so sehr in offiziellen Gesetzestexten.

In gewisser Weise ja. Hass ist eine leidenschaftliche Emotion, die oft eine Form von Anerkennung der Stärke des anderen beinhaltet. Verachtung hingegen spricht dem anderen jeglichen Wert ab. Psychologen sagen oft, dass Verachtung in einer Beziehung schädlicher ist als Hass, weil sie die Kommunikation beendet.

Ja, das Adjektiv ist 'verächtlich'. Es kann zwei Bedeutungen haben: Entweder jemand verhält sich contemptuous (zeigt Verachtung) oder eine Sache ist despicable (verdient Verachtung). Zum Beispiel: 'Ein verächtliches Lächeln' oder 'Eine verächtliche Tat'.

Es ist der sogenannte 'ach-Laut'. Er wird nach den Vokalen a, o, u und au verwendet. Man bildet ihn im hinteren Teil des Mundes, fast so, als würde man den Hals leicht freimachen wollen. Er ist viel härter als das 'ch' in 'ich' oder 'echt'.

Das ist ein sehr starkes Wort für die Missachtung der menschlichen Würde oder des Lebens. Es wird oft verwendet, um diktatorische Regime, Terrorismus oder extrem grausame Taten zu beschreiben. Es ist eines der schwersten moralischen Urteile in der deutschen Sprache.

Theoretisch ja, aber in der Praxis nein. Gefühle und abstrakte Begriffe wie 'Verachtung' werden im Deutschen fast immer nur im Singular verwendet. Wenn man von mehreren Situationen sprechen möchte, sagt man eher 'Momente der Verachtung' oder 'Akte der Verachtung'.