Entfremdung
/ɛntˈfʁɛmdʊŋ/
The English phrase alienation is translated into German as Entfremdung.
Entfremdung is a noun referring to emotional isolation or dissociation. When you want to express alienation from a specific object or concept, use the preposition von after the noun, forming the phrase Entfremdung von (alienation from). While Entfremdung is the noun, the adjective entfremdet is the most common way to describe a person or a state of being alienated.
Meaning: emotional isolation or dissociation (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, Entfremdung takes the article die in the nominative case, but changes to der in the genitive or dative cases (such as der Entfremdung).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛntˈfʁɛmdʊŋ/
Did you know?
- While Entfremdung is used for emotional distance, the related word fremd is used in the phrase fremdgehen to mean cheating on a partner.
- In existentialist literature, Entfremdung is often paired with Geworfenheit or 'thrownness' to describe the shock of existing in a world where one feels alienated.
- In German philosophy, particularly in Marxist theory, Entfremdung is a technical term used to describe the worker's lack of control over their own labor.
Examples in context
- Die Entfremdung von der Natur wird dem Menschen eines Tages zum Verhängnis werden.Alienation from nature will one day become humanity's demise.This sentence illustrates the concept of alienation from nature using Entfremdung.Tatoeba #10725667 by Yorwba, translation #13670223 by frpzzd
- Die Entfremdung von modernen Technologien kann zu sozialer Isolation führen.Alienation from modern technologies can lead to social isolation.
- Ich fühle mich in der Schule oft durch meine Klassenkameraden ausgeschlossen.I often feel excluded by my classmates at school.
- Nach dem Umzug in eine andere Stadt empfand ich anfangs ein starkes Fremdheitsgefühl.After moving to another city, I initially experienced a strong feeling of strangeness.
- Das ständige Arbeiten von zu Hause aus hat bei einigen Mitarbeitern ein starkes Entfremdungsgefühl hervorgerufen.The constant work from home has caused a strong feeling of alienation among some employees.
- Die Entfremdung von der eigenen Arbeit war sehr belastend.The alienation from one's own work was very burdensome.
- Er verspürte eine tiefe Entfremdung von der Gesellschaft.He felt a deep alienation from society.
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing their feelings about a new job.
- SarahIch fühle mich hier irgendwie einsam.I feel somehow lonely here.
- FelixDas klingt nach einer starken Entfremdung von deinen Kollegen.That sounds like a strong alienation from your colleagues.
- SarahJa, niemand scheint mich wirklich zu verstehen.Yes, no one seems to really understand me.
- FelixVielleicht hilft ein gemeinsames Mittagessen.Maybe a joint lunch would help.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Entfremdung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
