Masochist
masculine
The German word for masochist is Masochist. Wiktionary also lists Masochistin.
Meaning: someone who enjoys pain or humiliation (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Masochist | masculine |
| Masochistin | feminine |
The term is a noun used to describe someone who enjoys pain or humiliation.
Which one should you use?
Masochist is the masculine form, while Masochistin is the feminine form. The plural form is Masochisten.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the plural, the word becomes Masochisten.
Did you know?
- In modern German, Masochist is frequently used as a colloquial metaphor for anyone who takes on an unnecessarily difficult task. For example, a worker who volunteers for the most tedious project might be called a Masochist by their colleagues.
- The word Masochist is a direct loan from the name of the 19th-century Austrian writer Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. His name became synonymous with the erotic themes found in his novels.
- While the English word is often pronounced with a 'k' sound, a German speaker will pronounce the 'ch' in Masochist as a soft, breathy fricative produced in the back of the throat.
Examples in context
- Ich bin ein Masochist.I'm a masochist.This sentence demonstrates how to use the masculine form Masochist in the first person.Tatoeba #1171448 by Esperantostern, translation #1169460 by CM
- Die Hölle wäre für einen Masochisten das Paradies.Hell would be paradise for a masochist.This sentence uses the masculine form Masochist in a different grammatical case (Masochisten).Tatoeba #6790507 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5165111 by tabular
- Der Vortragende sprach über die Eigenschaften eines Masochisten.The speaker talked about the characteristics of a masochist.
- Maria trägt gerne unbequeme Schuhe, sie ist wohl eine echte Schmerzliebhaberin.Maria likes wearing uncomfortable shoes, she must be a real masochist.
- Marta studiert das Verhalten von Masochisten.Marta studies the behavior of masochists.
- Als Psychotherapeut ist es wichtig, das Wesen des Masochisten zu verstehen.As a psychotherapist, it is important to understand the nature of the masochist.
- Lina tut sich freiwillig so etwas an? Sie muss eine Schmerzliebhaberin sein.Lina voluntarily does something like that? She must be a masochist.
- Er ist ein echter Masochist.He is a real masochist.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a person who enjoys extreme sports.
- JulianIst er wirklich ein Masochist?Is he really a masochist?
- LauraJa, er liebt den Schmerz beim Klettern.Yes, he loves the pain while climbing.
- JulianDas kann ich mir nicht vorstellen.I can't imagine that.
- LauraFür ihn ist es ein Abenteuer.For him, it is an adventure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “masochist” translations and entries Masochist, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Masochist, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
