German word

Vergessenheit

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈgɛsn̩haɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounoblivion

Example

Viele Bräuche fallen der Vergessenheit zum Opfer.

Many customs fall into oblivion.

Illustration for Vergessenheit (oblivion)

More examples

Das Projekt holt veraltete Rituale aus der Vergessenheit.

Many customs fall victim to oblivion.

Core concept

An old tradition disappearing into a silent archive, beyond both personal recollection and public attention.

Common phrases

  • in Vergessenheit versinken

    sink into oblivion

  • aus der Vergessenheit holen

    bring out of oblivion

Similar words

Vergessen: The act of forgetting or failing to recall something.
Vergesslichkeit: A habitual tendency to forget things easily.

Definition in German

Der Zustand, dass etwas oder jemand aus dem Gedächtnis oder öffentlichen Bewusstsein verschwindet.

Word origin

The noun was formed from vergessen by adding -heit, a German suffix that forms nouns for states or qualities.

Usage tips

  • The idiom in Vergessenheit geraten means 'to fall into oblivion', while der Vergessenheit zum Opfer fallen is a more elevated alternative.

Other meanings

  • being forgottennoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Vergesslichkeitforgetfulnessnoun
  • vergessenforgetverb

Word lists with this word