German word

Rache

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁaxə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounrevenge

Example

Seine Rache begann sofort.

His revenge began right away.

Illustration for Rache (revenge)

More examples

Nach der Niederlage sann er auf Rache.

After the defeat, he plotted revenge.

Core concept

A wronged person turning hurt into a deliberate counterblow aimed at the wrongdoer.

Common phrases

  • an jemandem Rache üben

    take revenge on someone

  • auf Rache sinnen

    plot revenge

  • ein Verlangen nach Rache

    a desire for revenge

Similar words

Vergeltung: Retribution that answers harm with comparable harm to restore balance.
Bestrafung: Official punishment for breaking rules or committing a crime.
Revanche: A retaliatory act meant to avenge a defeat or insult.
Vendetta: A prolonged private feud involving repeated revenge between groups or families.

Definition in German

Rache bezeichnet die Vergeltung für ein erlittenes Unrecht durch eine absichtliche Tat gegen den Verursacher.

Word origin

Rache is related to the verb rächen and continues Middle High German râche, which denoted retaliation.

Usage tips

  • The usual phrase is Rache an jemandem nehmen, while the verb uses sich an jemandem rächen.

Other meanings

  • vengeancenoun
  • retaliationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • rächenavengeverb
  • Rachsuchtvengefulnessnoun
  • rachsüchtigvengefuladjective

Word lists with this word