verb
ernüchtern
sober
The German verb "ernüchtern" means "to sober up" or "to disillusion".
- It is made up of the prefix "er-" and the root "nüchtern", which means "sober" or "clear-headed".
Similar words:
- enttäuschen (to disappoint)
- desillusionieren (to disillusion)
- aufklären (to clarify)
Difference:
- "Ernüchtern" often implies a shift from a state of illusion, excitement, or intoxication to clear-headedness, whereas "enttäuschen" refers more broadly to disappointment and "desillusionieren" emphasizes loss of illusions or idealism without necessarily implying sobering.
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Examples
Manchmal ernüchtern uns schwierige Erfahrungen.verb
Sometimes difficult experiences sober us.
Ein Ereignis hat eine ernüchternde Wirkung auf ihn gehabt.verb
An event has had a sobering effect on him.
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