German word

Genugtuung

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈnuːkˌtuːʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsatisfaction

Example

Die Genugtuung über den Abschluss war groß.

The sense of satisfaction over the completion was immense.

Illustration for Genugtuung (satisfaction)

More examples

Als er die Fehlentscheidung korrigiert sah, empfand er kalte Genugtuung.

When he saw the wrong decision corrected, he felt cold satisfaction.

Core concept

A knot loosens when success is complete or a wrong has been put right.

Common phrases

  • Genugtuung empfinden

    feel satisfaction

  • kalte Genugtuung

    cold satisfaction

  • Genugtuung über etwas

    satisfaction over something

Similar words

Zufriedenheit: A calm sense of contentment that brings peace of mind.
Befriedigung: Strong satisfaction from having an expectation or desire fulfilled.
Erleichterung: A feeling of relief when tension or worry fades.
Stolz: A feeling of pride in personal achievement.

Definition in German

Gefühl der inneren Befriedigung und Beruhigung nach einem persönlichen Erfolg oder nach Wiedergutmachung.

Word origin

Genugtuung comes from the older verb genugtun, literally 'to do enough', and developed senses involving satisfaction and putting a wrong right.

Usage tips

  • Genugtuung is feminine, and the common pattern is Genugtuung über plus accusative, as in Genugtuung über den Abschluss.

Other meanings

  • reparationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • genügensufficeverb
  • genügsamcontentadjective
  • Genügsamkeitcontentmentnoun

Word lists with this word