German word

Menschheit

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɛnʃhaɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhumanity

Example

Die Menschheit steht vor großen Herausforderungen.

Humanity is facing major challenges.

Illustration for Menschheit (humanity)

More examples

Die Zukunft der Menschheit wird durch unseren Umgang mit Technologien beeinflusst.

The future of humanity is influenced by how we use technology.

Core concept

The whole human species treated as one vast collective subject.

Common phrases

  • die Zukunft der Menschheit

    the future of humanity

  • das Schicksal der Menschheit

    the fate of humanity

  • die Verantwortung der Menschheit

    humanity's responsibility

Similar words

Menschen: A group of individual human beings.
Bevölkerung: The inhabitants of a particular country or area.
Gesellschaft: A community shaped by common institutions and relationships.
Volk: A community sharing a common history, culture, or national identity.

Definition in German

Ein abstrakter Sammelbegriff für alle Menschen zusammen, oft in allgemeinen oder philosophischen Aussagen gebraucht.

Word origin

Menschheit is formed from Mensch, which developed from Old High German mennisko, and the abstract suffix -heit, meaning a state or collective quality.

Usage tips

  • Menschheit is feminine and normally singular, so it takes die and does not usually have a plural form.

Related words

Word lists with this word