Ernüchterung

disillusionment

noun er-NUEKH-ter-oong Less Common

Also means

sobering letdown

Usage Note

Ernüchterung is the sobering realisation that hopes were inflated, literally a return to soberness from nüchtern (sober). The verb is ernüchtern. It often follows initial Euphorie.

Examples

"Auf die Begeisterung folgte rasche Ernüchterung."

Natural Translation

Enthusiasm was quickly followed by disillusionment.

Literal Translation

On the enthusiasm followed quick disillusionment.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

Du vs. Sie: When to Use Each in German

Use Sie with strangers, elders, and at work; use du with friends, family, kids, and peers. Here's how to pick the right German you every time.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Word Order: The Verb Rules That Trip You Up

German word order comes down to three verb-position rules: the verb is second in main clauses, last after weil and dass, and time comes before place.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German False Friends: 25 Words That Trick You

German false friends like Gift (poison) and bekommen (to receive) trick English speakers daily. Here are 25 words that mean the opposite of what you'd guess.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Modal Particles: doch, mal, ja, eben

German modal particles doch, mal, ja, and eben add attitude, not meaning. Before/after examples show how to use each one so your German stops sounding stiff.

June 9, 2026 6 min read