Weltschmerz

world-weariness, melancholy at the state of the world

noun VELT-shmerts Rare

Origin: coined by Jean Paul (1827), combining Welt (world) and Schmerz (pain)

Usage Note

Weltschmerz is a distinctly German cultural concept describing the pain felt when reality falls short of ideals. It entered English dictionaries and is used by educated speakers globally; in German it has a slightly ironic or wryly self-aware connotation.

Examples

"Der junge Dichter pflegte seinen Weltschmerz in langen Nächten am Schreibtisch."

Natural Translation

The young poet cultivated his world-weariness during long nights at his desk.

Literal Translation

The young poet cultivated his world-pain in long nights at-the desk.

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