German word

Melancholie

Pronunciation

IPA/melaŋkoˈliː/

Meaning

  • feminine nounmelancholy

Example

Im Herbst überkommt mich oft die Melancholie.

In autumn, I am often overcome by melancholy.

Illustration for Melancholie (melancholy)

More examples

Sie hängt an regnerischen Tagen oft einer Melancholie nach.

She often dwells on melancholy on rainy days.

Core concept

A quiet gray weight settles over an otherwise ordinary day.

Common phrases

  • eine leise Melancholie

    a quiet melancholy

  • einer Melancholie nachhängen

    dwell on melancholy

  • Spuren von Melancholie

    traces of melancholy

Similar words

Traurigkeit: A temporary feeling of sadness and emotional heaviness.
Niedergeschlagenheit: A state of low spirits with reduced energy and motivation.
Trauer: Deep sadness after losing someone or something important.
Depression: A prolonged, deep low mood that makes daily life difficult.

Definition in German

eine anhaltende, oft leise empfundene Traurigkeit ohne klaren äußeren Grund.

Word origin

Melancholie comes through Latin melancholia from Ancient Greek melankholia, formed from melas, 'black', and khole, 'bile'.

Usage tips

  • Melancholie is feminine and somewhat literary, so the article is die and everyday speech often uses traurig instead.

Other meanings

  • wistfulnessnoun
  • sadnessnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word