Ernüchtertsein

state of being disillusioned

noun er-NUEKH-tert-zyne Rare

Usage Note

Ernüchtertsein is a nominalized infinitive — the state of having been sobered or disillusioned. Less common than Ernüchterung but used to emphasize the present, ongoing quality of disillusionment. Sein Ernüchtertsein war spürbar — his disillusionment was palpable.

Examples

"Das Ernüchtertsein nach der gescheiterten Beziehung brauchte lange, um zu verblassen."

Natural Translation

The state of disillusionment after the failed relationship took a long time to fade.

Literal Translation

The being-disillusioned after the failed relationship needed a long time to fade.

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