die Aufmunterung, -en
encouragement
Definition & meaning
Aufmunterung means encouragement, cheering someone up, or a reassuring, uplifting remark or gesture. It can describe either the act of improving someone’s mood or the words and actions used to do so.
- Seine Worte waren eine Aufmunterung. — His words were encouraging.
- Sie brauchte etwas Aufmunterung. — She needed some cheering up.
Grammar & word origin
Aufmunterung is a feminine noun: die Aufmunterung. Its plural is die Aufmunterungen.
It is formed from the verb aufmuntern , meaning “to encourage” or “to cheer up,” with the noun-forming suffix -ung. The verb combines auf with munter , meaning “lively” or “cheerful.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- Ermutigung — “encouragement,” especially support that gives someone confidence or courage. It is often close in meaning to Aufmunterung, though it can focus more on helping someone take action.
- Zuspruch — supportive or reassuring words, often offered when someone is having a difficult time.
- Trost — “consolation”; unlike Aufmunterung, it focuses more on easing sadness or distress than on lifting someone’s spirits generally.
Possible antonyms:
- Entmutigung — “discouragement,” the opposite of encouragement.
- Niedergeschlagenheit ? — “dejection” or “low spirits”; it describes a downcast state rather than the act of encouraging someone.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Ich brauche heute ein bisschen Aufmunterung.noun
I need a little bit of encouragement today.
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