German word

Depression

Pronunciation

IPA/depʁɛˈsi̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine noundepression

Example

Ich habe eine Depression.

I have depression.

Illustration for Depression (depression)

More examples

Frühe Warnzeichen können auf eine Depression hindeuten.

Early warning signs can point to depression.

Core concept

Something falls and stays below its normal level, whether it is emotional energy, economic activity, or atmospheric pressure.

Common phrases

  • eine Depression überwinden

    overcome depression

  • auf eine Depression hindeuten

    point to depression

  • chronische Depression

    chronic depression

Similar words

Traurigkeit: A temporary feeling of sadness.
Niedergeschlagenheit: A state of low spirits and reduced energy.
Antriebslosigkeit: A lack of motivation or energy to start and carry out activities.
Trauer: Deep, lasting sadness after losing someone or something important.

Definition in German

Depression bezeichnet primär eine psychische Störung mit langanhaltender Niedergeschlagenheit; das Wort wird außerdem für wirtschaftlichen Niedergang oder Tiefdruckgebiet gebraucht.

Word origin

Depression developed from Latin depressio through the international vocabulary of medicine and later acquired established economic and meteorological uses.

Usage tips

  • Depression usually names a clinical disorder in German, whereas a temporary low mood is more often described as Niedergeschlagenheit or schlechte Stimmung.

Other meanings

  • recessionnoun
  • low-pressure areanoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Depressivitätdepressivenessnoun
  • Depressionsphasedepressive phasenoun

Word lists with this word