Menschheit
/ˈmɛnʃhaɪ̯t/feminine
The English phrase 'humanity' is translated into German as Menschheit.
Menschheit refers to human beings as a collective group or the human race. If you wish to emphasize the importance of compassion and empathy within humanity, you may use the phrase Menschlichkeit und Mitgefühl.
Meaning: human beings as a group (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of Mensch (human/person) and the suffix -heit, which forms abstract nouns similar to '-hood' or '-ness' in English.
Which one should you use?
While Menschheit refers to the human race as a collective whole, the word Menschlichkeit is used to refer to the quality of being human or showing compassion (humanity as a virtue).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Menschheit is a feminine noun, the genitive form der Menschheit is used to express 'of humanity'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɛnʃhaɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- The word Mensch is used in Yiddish-influenced German as a slang exclamation, such as Mensch!, to express surprise or frustration, regardless of whether a human is being discussed.
- If you call someone ein echter Mensch, you are not commenting on their biological status, but rather their authenticity and character.
- While Menschheit is the collective noun, the word menschlich is used as an adjective to describe something as 'human', but it can also mean 'fallible' or 'weak'.
Examples in context
- Ihr seid der Menschheit letzte Hoffnung.You're the last hope for humanity.This sentence is useful for describing a group as the last hope for the Menschheit.Tatoeba #1658519 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1657703 by Spamster
- Ich fürchte um die Zukunft der Menschheit.I fear for the future of humanity.This sentence is useful for expressing concern regarding the future of the Menschheit.Tatoeba #1703240 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1390287 by Spamster
- Das ist ein Verbrechen gegen die Menschheit!That's a crime against humanity!This sentence is useful for describing a crime committed against the Menschheit.Tatoeba #4426759 by Dokuyaku, translation #4426685 by XenoKat
- Die Menschlichkeit ist ein grundlegendes Prinzip, das in jeder Gesellschaft vorhanden sein sollte.Humanity is a fundamental principle that should exist in every society.
- Die Förderung von Humanität ist eine vordringliche Aufgabe für Regierungen weltweit.Promoting humanity is a priority task for governments worldwide.
- In Zeiten der Not zeigt sich wahre Menschlichkeit und Mitgefühl.True humanity and compassion reveal themselves in times of need.
- Der Zusammenhalt in Zeiten der Krise unterstreicht unser Menschsein.The solidarity during times of crisis emphasizes our humanity.
- In schwierigen Situationen ist es wichtig, Menschlichkeit zu zeigen.In difficult situations, it's important to show humanity.
- Jeder hat seine menschliche Seite und macht auch mal Fehler.Everyone has their human side and sometimes makes mistakes.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing a science book.
- SarahGlaubst du, die Menschheit wird jemals zum Mars fliegen?Do you think humanity will ever fly to Mars?
- MaximilianJa, ich glaube, das ist das Ziel der Menschheit.Yes, I think that is the goal of humanity.
- SarahAber wir müssen zuerst unsere Erde retten.But we have to save our Earth first.
- MaximilianDa hast du absolut recht, Sarah.You are absolutely right there, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “humanity” translations and entries Menschheit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
