Depression
/depʁɛˈsi̯oːn/
In German, the English word depression is translated as Depression.
Depression is used in a psychological context to refer to a period of unhappiness. When referring specifically to clinical depression, the formal term Klinische Depression is used. You may also encounter the word Niedergeschlagenheit, which describes a state of feeling low or being down.
Meaning: psychology: period of unhappiness (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Germany and Austria, the word Trübsinn is used to describe a state of gloominess or melancholy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Depression is a feminine noun and is used with the definite article die (die Depression). The plural form of the word is Depressionen.
How do you pronounce it?
/depʁɛˈsi̯oːn/
Did you know?
- The German word Weltschmerz describes a specific type of depression caused by a feeling that the physical reality of the world can never satisfy the demands of the mind.
- In German, the word Depression is used in geography to describe a landform where the surface dips below the surrounding area, such as a basin.
- The word Niedergeschlagenheit literally translates to being 'struck down' or 'beaten down', which provides a much more violent physical image than the English 'unhappiness'.
Examples in context
- Mennad verfiel in eine Depression.Mennad went into a depression.This sentence shows the use of Depression in the context of a person falling into a depression.Tatoeba #13388779 by Vortarulo, translation #8032783 by OsoHombre
- Mennad redete über seine Depression.Mennad spoke about his depression.This sentence shows a person speaking about their Depression.Tatoeba #10288067 by wannieh, translation #8003774 by OsoHombre
- Maria erlitt plötzlich eine Depression.Mary suffered a sudden bout of depression.This sentence illustrates someone suffering from a sudden bout of Depression.Tatoeba #6587484 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9926126 by sundown
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are talking about mental health.
- FelixIch glaube, ich habe eine Depression.I think I have depression.
- SarahDas tut mir leid, Felix.I am sorry to hear that, Felix.
- FelixIch fühle mich seit Wochen sehr leer.I have been feeling very empty for weeks.
- SarahEine Depression ist eine ernsthafte Krankheit.Depression is a serious illness.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Depression, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
