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die Plage

nuisance

Definition & meaning

Die Plage is something that causes persistent suffering, trouble, or annoyance.

It can mean:

  • A nuisance or persistent burden: The noisy construction site is a real nuisance.
  • A scourge or widespread affliction: a serious problem affecting many people, such as an epidemic, famine, or pest infestation. In this sense, it can sound dramatic or literary.

The plural is die Plagen.

Grammar & Word origin

Plage is a feminine noun: die Plage. Its plural is die Plagen. It is related to the verb plagen , meaning “to torment,” “to trouble,” or “to afflict.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Possible synonyms include:

  • die Belästigung — an annoyance or disturbance, usually caused by someone or something; more specific and less severe.
  • die Last — a burden or responsibility; emphasizes the weight or difficulty rather than the annoyance.
  • das Übel — an evil or serious problem; often broader and more severe.
  • die Heimsuchung — a calamity or affliction; more dramatic and often used for large-scale suffering.

There is no exact antonym. Depending on the context, die Erleichterung (“relief”) or der Segen (“blessing”) can express an opposite idea.

Common phrases & collocations

  • eine wahre Plage sein — to be a real nuisance.
  • von etwas geplagt werden — to be plagued or troubled by something.
  • eine Mückenplage — a mosquito infestation or severe mosquito nuisance.

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Examples

Die vielen Mücken sind eine Plage.other

All these mosquitoes are a nuisance.

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