Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wahn | /vaːn/ | masculine |
| Wahnvorstellung | /ˈvaːnfoːɐ̯ˌʃtɛlʊŋ/ | feminine |
The term is used to describe a false belief, an error in belief or something that is falsely propagated. Depending on the context, you may use Wahn to describe a general state of madness or an abstract sense of being misled, often seen in philosophical or poetic language. For a specific, single delusional idea or thought pattern, especially in a clinical or psychological context, the term Wahnvorstellung is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The feminine noun Wahnvorstellung is a compound of Wahn (delusion or madness) and Vorstellung (idea, conception or representation).
Which one should you use?
Wahn refers more broadly to a state of delusion or madness, whereas Wahnvorstellung refers specifically to a single delusional idea or a particular thought pattern.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun Wahnvorstellung becomes Wahnvorstellungen in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/vaːn/
Did you know?
- A German speaker might use Wahn to describe a societal mania or a speculative bubble, such as the term Gründerwahn used for the economic boom of the 1870s.
- While Wahn and Wahnsinn both translate to concepts of madness or delusion, they are not etymologically related.
- In a theatrical context, the second half of Wahnvorstellung refers to a 'performance' or 'show', which is a completely different meaning than its psychological one.
Examples in context
- Die Liebe ist ein Wahn.Love is a delusion.This sentence uses Wahn.Tatoeba #7828490 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10871906 by sundown
- Der Wahn ist kurz, die Reu' ist lang.Delusion is short-lived, but remorse lasts a long time.Tatoeba #2345831 by Esperantostern, translation #2411657 by AlanF_US
- Tom leidet unter der Wahnvorstellung, dass fremde Menschen seine Gedanken lesen könnten. Natürlich ist das Quatsch!Tom suffered from the delusion that strangers could hear his thoughts. Of course that's nonsense.This sentence uses Wahnvorstellung.Tatoeba #2027581 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2027768 by halfb1t
- Die Wahrheit hinter der Fassade der Täuschung zu erkennen, ist oft schwierig.Recognizing the truth behind the facade of delusion is often difficult.
- Er lebt in einer Illusion.He lives in a delusion.
- Die Hoffnung war nur eine trügerische Illusion.The hope was just a deceptive delusion.
- Der Glaube an ein solches Ereignis ist nichts weiter als eine Illusion.The belief in such an event is nothing more than a delusion.
- Das ist völliger Wahn!That's complete delusion!
- Die Idee hinter diesen Behauptungen ist ein reiner Wahn.The idea behind these claims is pure delusion.
- Das ist alles nur Einbildung.It's all just delusion.
- Deine Angst vor Spinnen ist nur Einbildung.Your fear of spiders is just a delusion.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a strange conspiracy theory they heard online.
- FelixDas ist doch alles purer Wahn.That is all pure delusion.
- LauraGlaubst du wirklich, dass das wahr sein könnte?Do you really think that could be true?
- FelixNein, Laura, das ist absoluter Wahn.No, Laura, it is absolute delusion.
- LauraDu hast wohl recht.You are probably right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delusion” translations and entries Wahn, Wahnvorstellung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wahn, Wahnvorstellung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
