German word

Ironie

Pronunciation

IPA/iʁoˈniː/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsarcasm

Example

Seine Ironie war für alle offensichtlich.

His sarcasm was obvious to everyone.

Illustration for Ironie (sarcasm)

More examples

Sie wies auf die Ironie in seinem Bericht hin.

She pointed out the irony in his report.

Core concept

A speaker presents a bright surface while quietly signaling criticism, mockery, or humor.

Common phrases

  • eine bittere Ironie

    a bitter irony

  • auf Ironie hinweisen

    point out irony

  • die Ironie des Schicksals

    the irony of fate

Similar words

Sarkasmus: Sharp sarcasm meant to sting, wound, or humiliate its target.
Spott: Mocking words or behavior that make someone look foolish for others' amusement.
Zynismus: Cold disbelief in human goodness, sincerity, or ideals.

Definition in German

Aussage, bei der man etwas sagt, das man nicht wörtlich meint, um Kritik, Spott oder Humor auszudrücken.

Word origin

The German noun Ironie is a borrowing ultimately derived from Greek eironeia, meaning dissimulation or feigned ignorance.

Usage tips

  • German Ironie usually refers to verbal irony, while English irony also commonly describes an unexpectedly contrasting situation.

Other meanings

  • ironynoun

Opposites

  • Aufrichtigkeitsinceritynoun
  • Wörtlichkeitliteralnessnoun

Related words

  • ironischironicadjective
  • Ironisierungironizationnoun

Word lists with this word