decimate
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C1 verb /ˈdɛsɪmeɪt/

decimate

verderben
Meaning
To destroy or kill a large proportion of something.
Example
The wildfire decimated the forest.
Der Waldbrand zerstörte den Wald.
C1 adjective /dæft/

daft

dumm
Meaning
Silly or foolish.
Example
It was a daft idea to go hiking without water.
Es war eine dumme Idee, ohne Wasser wandern zu gehen.
C1 verb diːˈsɛn.sɪ.taɪz

desensitize

desensibilisieren
Meaning
To make someone less sensitive or reactive to something through repeated exposure.
Example
Constant exposure to violence can desensitize people.
Die ständige Exposition gegenüber Gewalt kann Menschen desensibilisieren.
C1 adjective /ˈdaʊn.kæst/

downcast

niedergeschlagen
Meaning
feeling sad, dejected, or with lowered eyes
Example
He looked downcast after hearing the bad news.
Er wirkte niedergeschlagen, nachdem er die schlechten Nachrichten gehört hatte.
C1 adjective /ˈdesələt/

Desolate

verlassen; einsam; öde
Meaning
deserted; lonely; barren
Example
The abandoned village looked desolate and empty.
Das verlassene Dorf sah verlassen und leer aus.
C1 noun daɪˈkɒtəmi

dichotomy

Dichotomie
Meaning
A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Example
The dichotomy between tradition and modernity is often debated.
Die Dichotomie zwischen Tradition und Moderne wird oft diskutiert.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

diminutive

winzig
Meaning
extremely or unusually small
Example
Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader.
Trotz seiner winzigen Größe war er ein mächtiger Anführer.
C1 verb /dɪˈpliːt/

deplete

erschöpfen
Meaning
to reduce the quantity or supply of something
Example
The long war has depleted the country's resources.
Der lange Krieg hat die Ressourcen des Landes erschöpft.
C1 adjective dɪ ˈskrɛʃ.ən.er.i

discretionary

diskretionär
Meaning
Available for use at the discretion of the user; not required or mandatory.
Example
He set aside some discretionary income for travel.
Er hat etwas diskretionäres Einkommen für Reisen beiseitegelegt.
C1 noun /ˈdæmpər/

damper

etwas, das die Kraft, Wirkung oder Aufregung reduziert oder verringert
Meaning
something that reduces or lessens the force, effect, or excitement
Example
The cancellation of the trip put a damper on their enthusiasm.
Die Absage der Reise dämpfte ihre Begeisterung.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːtɪfəl/

Dutiful

pflichtbewusst; respektvoll; gehorsam
Meaning
conscientiously fulfilling one's duty; obedient; respectful
Example
She is a dutiful daughter who always helps her parents.
Sie ist eine pflichtbewusste Tochter, die ihren Eltern immer hilft.
C1 adjective /dɪˈlæpɪˌdeɪtɪd/

dilapidated

verfallen
Meaning
Fallen into disrepair or ruin due to neglect or age.
Example
The family lived in a dilapidated house at the edge of town.
Die Familie lebte in einem verfallenen Haus am Rande der Stadt.
C1 noun /ˈderˌdevəl/

daredevil

Waghalsiger
Meaning
A person who enjoys doing dangerous or risky things.
Example
The stunt was performed by a famous daredevil.
Der Stunt wurde von einem berühmten Waghalsigen durchgeführt.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɜːrnəbl/

discernible

wahrnehmbar
Meaning
able to be seen, recognized, or understood
Example
There was a discernible change in his behavior.
Es gab eine wahrnehmbare Veränderung in seinem Verhalten.
C1 verb /diːˈhaɪdreɪt/

dehydrate

dehydrieren
Meaning
to remove water from something; to lose water or body fluids
Example
Running in the heat can quickly dehydrate you.
Laufen bei der Hitze kann dich schnell dehydrieren.
C1 adjective /ˈdiːviəs/

devious

hinterhältig
Meaning
Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.
Example
He used a devious plan to gain control of the company.
Er verwendete einen hinterhältigen Plan, um die Kontrolle über das Unternehmen zu übernehmen.
C1 adjective ˌdet.rɪˈmen.təl

detrimental

schädlich
Meaning
Tending to cause harm; damaging or harmful.
Example
Pollution has detrimental effects on fertility.
Verschmutzung hat schädliche Auswirkungen auf die Fruchtbarkeit.
C1 verb /ˈdrɪbəl/

dribble

tropfen / den Ball mit kleinen Stößen spielen
Meaning
to let liquid flow slowly in drops or to move a ball skillfully with repeated small kicks or bounces
Example
The baby dribbled milk on his shirt.
Das Baby hat Milch auf sein Hemd getropft.
C1 noun /ˈdrʌdʒəri/

drudgery

harte, monotone Arbeit
Meaning
Hard, menial, or dull work.
Example
She wanted to escape the drudgery of her daily routine.
Sie wollte der Monotonie ihrer täglichen Routine entkommen.
C1 noun /ˈdɔːrˌkiːpər/

doorkeeper

Pförtner
Meaning
A person whose job is to guard or manage the entrance of a building or room.
Example
The doorkeeper checked everyone’s passes before they entered the hall.
Der Doorkeeper überprüfte die Pässe aller, bevor sie den Saal betraten.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ/

debilitating

debilitierend
Meaning
Making someone or something weak and infirm.
Example
The disease had a debilitating effect on his health.
Die Krankheit hatte eine debiliterende Wirkung auf seine Gesundheit.
C1 noun /ˌdez.ɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/

Designation

Bezeichnung; Titel; Position; Status
Meaning
the action of choosing someone for a position; a name, title, or official status
Example
His designation as team leader came with additional responsibilities and authority.
Seine Bezeichnung als Teamleiter brachte zusätzliche Verantwortlichkeiten und Befugnisse mit sich.
C1 adjective /dɪˈplɔːrəbl/

deplorable

verwerflich
Meaning
deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad in quality
Example
The refugees were living in deplorable conditions.
Die Flüchtlinge lebten unter verwerflichen Bedingungen.
C1 noun dɪˈspær.ə.ti

disparity

Disparität
Meaning
A great difference or inequality.
Example
Disparity between countries must be reduced.
Die Disparität zwischen den Ländern muss reduziert werden.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪtəm/ or /ˈdætəm/

datum

Datenpunkt
Meaning
a single piece of information; a fact used as a basis for reasoning or calculation
Example
Each datum in the survey was carefully analyzed.
Jeder Datenpunkt in der Umfrage wurde sorgfältig analysiert.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən.mənt/

disillusionment

Desillusion
Meaning
A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.
Example
Many people experience disillusionment after unrealistic expectations.
Viele Menschen erleben eine Desillusion nach unrealistischen Erwartungen.
C1 verb /ˌdiː.kəmˈprɛs/

decompress

entspannen
Meaning
To relax and recover from stress or pressure.
Example
Taking deep breaths helps to decompress after a stressful day.
Tiefes Atmen hilft, sich nach einem stressigen Tag zu entspannen.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsiːtfəl/

deceitful

betrügerisch
Meaning
Deliberately misleading or dishonest.
Example
She gave a deceitful answer to hide the truth.
Sie gab eine betrügerische Antwort, um die Wahrheit zu verbergen.
C1 verb /dɪˈraɪd/

deride

verspotten
Meaning
to mock or ridicule someone or something
Example
The critics derided the new movie for its poor script.
Die Kritiker verspoteten den neuen Film für sein schlechtes Skript.
C1 adjective draʊt rɪˈzɪs.tənt

drought-resistant

trockenresistent
Meaning
Able to survive and grow despite limited water availability or drought conditions.
Example
Drought-resistant crops can survive in arid conditions.
Trockenresistente Pflanzen können in trockenen Bedingungen überleben.
C1 noun /ˈdjuːplɛks/

duplex

Doppelhaushälfte
Meaning
A house or apartment divided into two separate residences.
Example
They live in a duplex near the city center.
Sie wohnen in einem Doppelhaus in der Nähe des Stadtzentrums.
C1 noun /dɪsˈsɜːrvɪs/

disservice

Schaden
Meaning
A harmful action; something that does damage rather than help.
Example
Spreading false information is a disservice to the community.
Falsche Informationen zu verbreiten ist ein Schaden für die Gemeinschaft.
C1 verb /dɪsˈhɑːrtn/

dishearten

entmutigen
Meaning
to cause someone to lose determination or confidence; to discourage
Example
The constant rejection letters began to dishearten the young writer.
Die ständigen Ablehnungsbriefe begannen, den jungen Schriftsteller zu entmutigen.
C1 noun /ˌdev.əˈtiː/

Devotee

Anhänger; Verehrer
Meaning
a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something
Example
As a devotee of classical music, she attended every concert in the city.
Als Anhängerin der klassischen Musik besuchte sie jedes Konzert in der Stadt.
C1 noun ˈdɛtrɪ.mənt

detriment

Schaden, Nachteil, Beeinträchtigung
Meaning
Harm, damage, impairment.
Example
Smoking is a detriment to health.
Rauchen ist ein Detriment für die Gesundheit.
C1 verb /dɪˈdjuːs/

deduce

schließen
Meaning
to reach a conclusion by reasoning or inference
Example
From the evidence, the detective deduced that the suspect was lying.
Aus den Beweisen schloss der Detektiv, dass der Verdächtige log.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfaɪənt/

Defiant

widerspenstig; trotzig
Meaning
boldly resistant or challenging; disobedient
Example
The defiant student refused to follow the rules.
Der widerspenstige Student weigerte sich, den Regeln zu folgen.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪktəˈtɔːriəl/

dictatorial

diktatorisch
Meaning
Having or showing a tendency to tell people what to do in an autocratic way.
Example
His dictatorial style made him unpopular among colleagues.
Sein diktatorischer Stil machte ihn unter den Kollegen unbeliebt.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbeɪst/

debased

herabgesetzt
Meaning
having lost quality, value, or moral character
Example
The debased currency lost the trust of the people.
Die herabgesetzte Währung verlor das Vertrauen der Menschen.
C1 adjective /dɪˈpreɪvd/

depraved

verderbt
Meaning
morally corrupt or wicked
Example
The film depicts the life of a depraved criminal.
Der Film beschreibt das Leben eines verderbten Kriminellen.
C1 noun /diːˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

detoxification

Entgiftung
Meaning
The process of removing toxic substances from a living organism.
Example
Detoxification helps to cleanse the body of harmful substances.
Detoxifikation hilft, den Körper von schädlichen Substanzen zu befreien.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪəˌlɛkt/

dialect

Dialekt
Meaning
A particular form of a language spoken in a specific region or by a specific group.
Example
He speaks a dialect of Bengali that is common in rural areas.
Er spricht einen Dialekt des Bengalischen, der in ländlichen Gebieten verbreitet ist.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

disengage

abkoppeln
Meaning
To release or detach oneself from something; to withdraw.
Example
He tried to disengage from the heated argument.
Er versuchte, sich aus der hitzigen Diskussion abzukoppeln.
C1 verb /dɪsˈbænd/

disband

auflösen
Meaning
to break up and stop functioning as a group or organization
Example
The club decided to disband after twenty years of activity.
Der Club beschloss, sich nach zwanzig Jahren Aktivität aufzulösen.
C1 noun /daɪˈvɜː.dʒəns/

divergence

Divergenz
Meaning
The process or state of diverging; a difference or deviation between two or more things.
Example
The divergence in their opinions led to a heated debate.
Die Divergenz in ihren Meinungen führte zu einer hitzigen Debatte.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛnt/

dissent

widersprechen
Meaning
To hold or express opinions that are different from those officially accepted.
Example
Several members dissented from the majority decision.
Mehrere Mitglieder stimmten gegen die Mehrheitsentscheidung.
C1 phrase ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk rɛz.əˈluː.ʃən

diplomatic resolution

diplomatische Lösung
Meaning
A peaceful solution to conflicts through negotiation and diplomatic channels.
Example
A diplomatic resolution is necessary for peace.
Eine diplomatische Lösung ist notwendig für den Frieden.
C1 verb /dɪsˈɡrʌntl/

disgruntle

verärgern
Meaning
to make someone dissatisfied or discontented
Example
The unfair treatment disgruntled the workers.
Die ungerechte Behandlung verärgerte die Arbeiter.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈhɑːrtənd/

Disheartened

entmutigt
Meaning
discouraged; feeling dejected; losing hope or confidence
Example
She felt disheartened after failing the exam twice.
Sie fühlte sich entmutigt, nachdem sie die Prüfung zweimal nicht bestanden hatte.
C1 verb /dɪsˈpærɪdʒ/

disparage

herabsetzen
Meaning
to criticize someone or something in a way that shows a lack of respect
Example
It is unfair to disparage people for their opinions.
Es ist ungerecht, Menschen für ihre Meinungen herabzusetzen.
C1 noun ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən

degradation

Degradierung
Meaning
The condition or process of degrading or being degraded.
Example
Soil degradation due to overuse is a growing issue.
Bodenzerstörung durch Übernutzung ist ein wachsendes Problem.
C1 verb /ˈdræm.ə.taɪz/

dramatize

dramatizieren
Meaning
to present a story in a dramatic way, or to exaggerate something
Example
The novel was dramatized into a popular TV series.
Der Roman wurde in eine beliebte Fernsehserie dramatisiert.
C1 adjective /diːˈsɛntrəlaɪzd/

decentralized

dezentralisiert
Meaning
Controlled by several local offices or authorities rather than one single one.
Example
The decentralized system allowed for more control at local levels.
Das dezentralisierte System ermöglichte mehr Kontrolle auf lokaler Ebene.
C1 verb /daɪˈvɜːrdʒ/

diverge

sich trennen
Meaning
to separate and go in different directions; to differ
Example
The two paths diverge at the fork in the road.
Die beiden Wege trennen sich an der Gabelung der Straße.
C1 noun /ˌdɛməˈlɪʃən/

demolition

Abriss
Meaning
the act or process of destroying a building or structure
Example
The demolition of the old factory took several weeks.
Der Abriss der alten Fabrik dauerte mehrere Wochen.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪ.li.ə/

Dahlia

dahlie
Meaning
a garden plant with brightly colored flowers that bloom in summer and autumn
Example
She planted colorful dahlias in her garden last summer.
Sie pflanzte bunte Dahlien in ihrem Garten letzten Sommer.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/

disobedience

Ungehorsam
Meaning
failure or refusal to obey rules, laws, or authority
Example
The child's disobedience worried his parents.
Der Ungehorsam des Kindes besorgte seine Eltern.
C1 noun /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/

demagogue

Demagoge
Meaning
A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
Example
The crowd was swayed by the fiery speeches of the demagogue.
Die Menge wurde von den leidenschaftlichen Reden des Demagogen beeinflusst.
C1 noun /dɪˈlɪriəm/

delirium

Delirium
Meaning
An acutely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence.
Example
The patient experienced delirium after the surgery due to the strong medication.
Der Patient erlebte nach der Operation aufgrund starker Medikamente Delirium.
C1 verb /daɪˈɡrɛs/

digress

vorübergehend vom Hauptthema abweichen
Meaning
To leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.
Example
The professor began to digress from the main topic of the lecture.
Der Professor begann, vom Hauptthema der Vorlesung abzuweichen.
C1 noun, adjective /dɪˈfiːtɪst/

defeatist

Niederträchtig
Meaning
A person who expects or is excessively ready to accept failure; showing a tendency to expect defeat.
Example
His defeatist attitude discouraged the rest of the team.
Seine niederträchtige Einstellung entmutigte den Rest des Teams.
C1 verb /dɪˈluːd/

delude

täuschen
Meaning
To mislead someone into believing something that is not true.
Example
He deluded himself into thinking he could win the race without training.
Er täuschte sich selbst, indem er dachte, dass er das Rennen ohne Training gewinnen könnte.
C1 verb /dɪˈnəʊt/

denote

bedeuten
Meaning
To be a sign of; to indicate or mean something.
Example
A red flag denotes danger.
Eine rote Flagge deutet auf Gefahr hin.
C1 verb /dɪsˈfɪɡjər/

disfigure

entstellen
Meaning
to spoil or damage the appearance of something
Example
The fire disfigured the old building.
Das Feuer hat das alte Gebäude entstellt.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɔː.mə.ti/

Deformity

Deformation; körperliche Missbildung
Meaning
a distorted or unnatural shape or form; physical malformation
Example
The accident caused a permanent deformity in his left hand.
Der Unfall verursachte eine dauerhafte Deformation in seiner linken Hand.
C1 noun ˌdɪs.ɪnˈfek.ʃən

disinfection

Desinfektion
Meaning
The process of destroying harmful microorganisms to prevent infection.
Example
Kitchen appliances require frequent disinfection.
Küchengeräte erfordern häufige Desinfektion.
C1 adjective /ˈdɒɡɪd/

dogged

hartnäckig
Meaning
showing stubborn determination and persistence
Example
She succeeded through dogged determination.
Sie hatte Erfolg durch ihre hartnäckige Entschlossenheit.
C1 adjective daɪˈvɜː.dʒənt

divergent

divergent
Meaning
Tending to be different or develop in different directions
Example
Divergent policies create challenges in collaboration.
Divergente Politiken schaffen Herausforderungen in der Zusammenarbeit.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsperɪŋ/

Despairing

verzweifelt
Meaning
feeling hopeless; in despair
Example
She felt despairing after losing her job.
Sie fühlte sich verzweifelt, nachdem sie ihren Job verloren hatte.
C1 verb /doʊt/

dote

verwöhnen
Meaning
to show excessive love or fondness for someone or something
Example
She tends to dote on her grandchildren.
Sie neigt dazu, ihre Enkelkinder zu verwöhnen.
C1 adjective /dɪˈskriːt/

discrete

diskret
Meaning
individually separate and distinct
Example
The course is divided into three discrete modules.
Der Kurs ist in drei diskrete Module unterteilt.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkɔːrdənt/

discordant

diskordant
Meaning
disagreeing or clashing; harsh and jarring in sound
Example
The discordant notes of the band hurt our ears.
Die discordanten Noten der Band taten unseren Ohren weh.
C1 verb dɪˈlɪnieɪt

delineate

detailliert beschreiben
Meaning
To describe or portray something precisely
Example
The artist delineated the scene in intricate detail.
Der Künstler stellte die Szene mit komplexen Details dar.
C1 noun /ˈdel.ɪ.kə.si/

Delicacy

Zartheit; eine ausgesuchte oder teure Speise;
Meaning
fineness of texture or structure; a choice or expensive food; sensitivity in handling
Example
The chef prepared a local delicacy that was famous throughout the region.
Der Koch bereitete eine lokale Delikatesse zu, die in der gesamten Region berühmt war.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɛl/

dispel

vertreiben
Meaning
to make a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear
Example
The teacher's explanation dispelled the students' confusion.
Die Erklärung des Lehrers zerstreute die Verwirrung der Schüler.
C1 verb /dɪˈtɛst/

detest

verabscheuen
Meaning
To dislike intensely or hate.
Example
I detest waking up early on weekends.
Ich verabscheue es, am Wochenende früh aufzuwachen.
C1 noun /ˌdɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

domination

Herrschaft
Meaning
the exercise of control or influence over someone or something
Example
The empire sought domination over its neighbors.
Das Imperium strebte nach Herrschaft über seine Nachbarn.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkwɑːlɪfaɪ/

disqualify

disqualifizieren
Meaning
to officially prevent someone from participating or being eligible
Example
The referee decided to disqualify the player for cheating.
Der Schiedsrichter entschied sich, den Spieler für das Schummeln zu disqualifizieren.
C1 noun /ˈded.lɑk/

Dead-lock

totpunkt; blockierung
Meaning
a situation in which no progress is possible; complete standstill
Example
The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither side would compromise.
Die Verhandlungen erreichten einen toten Punkt, als keine Seite Kompromisse eingehen wollte.
C1 noun /ˈdɑːrwɪnɪzəm/

darwinism

Darwinismus
Meaning
the theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, emphasizing natural selection
Example
Darwinism revolutionized the way scientists understood the origin of species.
Der Darwinismus revolutionierte die Art und Weise, wie Wissenschaftler den Ursprung der Arten verstanden.
C1 noun /dɪˈmiːnər/

demeanour

verhalten
Meaning
a person's outward behavior or appearance
Example
Her calm demeanour impressed everyone during the meeting.
Ihr ruhiges Verhalten beeindruckte alle während des Treffens.
C1 noun dɪˌzɝː.t̬ə.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

desertification

desertifikation
Meaning
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Example
Deforestation accelerates desertification.
Abholzung beschleunigt die Desertifikation.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪmˈbɑːrk/

disembark

von Bord gehen
Meaning
To leave a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
Example
The passengers disembarked from the plane after landing.
Die Passagiere stiegen nach der Landung aus dem Flugzeug aus.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɛntɪd/

demented

dement / irrational
Meaning
behaving irrationally due to mental illness or extreme excitement
Example
He looked demented after hearing the shocking news.
Er sah dement aus, nachdem er die schockierenden Nachrichten gehört hatte.
C1 noun /dɪˌsem.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

dissemination

Verbreitung
Meaning
The action or fact of spreading something, especially information, widely.
Example
The dissemination of false information is a major issue.
Die Verbreitung falscher Informationen ist ein großes Problem.
C1 adjective /ˈdɔːr.mənt/

Dormant

inaktiv; schlafend; vorübergehend suspendiert; momentan nicht aktiv
Meaning
inactive; sleeping; temporarily suspended; not currently active
Example
The volcano has been dormant for over a century.
Der Vulkan war über ein Jahrhundert lang inaktiv.
C1 verb /dɪˈstɪl/

distill

destillieren
Meaning
To purify a liquid by heating and cooling; to extract the essential meaning or most important aspects.
Example
The factory distills water to make it safe for drinking.
Die Fabrik destilliert Wasser, um es trinkbar zu machen.
C1 adjective /daɪˈvɜːrsɪfaɪd/

diversified

diversifiziert
Meaning
Made or having variety in form, nature, or content.
Example
The company adopted a diversified business strategy to reduce risks.
Das Unternehmen hat eine diversifizierte Geschäftsstrategie übernommen, um Risiken zu reduzieren.
C1 verb /daɪˈluːt/

dilute

verdünnen
Meaning
To make a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent.
Example
You should dilute the juice with water before serving it to children.
Du solltest den Saft mit Wasser verdünnen, bevor du ihn den Kindern servierst.
C1 noun /ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk ˈmaɪl.stəʊn/

diplomatic milestone

diplomatischer Meilenstein
Meaning
A significant achievement or important event in diplomatic relations.
Example
Hosting the summit was a diplomatic milestone.
Die Ausrichtung des Gipfels war ein diplomatischer Meilenstein.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfʌŋkt/

defunct

außer Betrieb, verfallen
Meaning
No longer existing, operating, or functioning.
Example
The company became defunct after the financial crisis.
Das Unternehmen wurde nach der Finanzkrise defekt.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈsɛmbəl/

disassemble

auseinandernehmen
Meaning
To take apart something into its separate pieces.
Example
He had to disassemble the computer to repair it.
Er musste den Computer auseinandernehmen, um ihn zu reparieren.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːbiəs/

dubious

zweifelhaft
Meaning
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
Example
She gave him a dubious look after hearing his excuse.
Sie warf ihm einen zweifelhaften Blick zu, nachdem sie seine Ausrede gehört hatte.
C1 noun /dɪˈfaɪəns/

defiance

Herausforderung
Meaning
Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Example
The protest was an act of defiance against injustice.
Der Protest war ein Akt der Herausforderung gegen das Unrecht.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛləˌreɪt/

decelerate

verlangsamen
Meaning
to reduce speed; to slow down
Example
The car began to decelerate as it approached the traffic light.
Das Auto begann, langsamer zu werden, als es sich der Ampel näherte.
C1 adjective /dɪˈɡreɪdɪd/

degraded

degradiert
Meaning
Reduced in quality, dignity, or condition.
Example
The villagers were forced to live in degraded conditions.
Die Dorfbewohner wurden gezwungen, in degradierten Bedingungen zu leben.
C1 noun /dɪˈstɔːrʃən/

distortion

Verzerrung, falsche Darstellung
Meaning
the action of twisting, changing, or misrepresenting the shape, sound, or truth of something
Example
There was a distortion in the radio signal.
Es gab eine Verzerrung im Radiosignal.
C1 adjective deft

deft

geschickt
Meaning
Neatly skillful and quick in one's movements; dexterous and adroit.
Example
The artist's deft hands created a masterpiece.
Die geschickten Hände des Künstlers schufen ein Meisterwerk.
C1 adjective /ˈdwɪndlɪŋ/

dwindling

schwinden
Meaning
Gradually reducing in number, size, or strength.
Example
The villagers relied on dwindling water supplies.
Die Dorfbewohner waren auf die schwinden Wasserreserven angewiesen.
C1 noun ˌdɛməˈɡræfɪk trænˈzɪʃən

demographic transition

demografischer Übergang
Meaning
A shift in population patterns from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically
Example
The demographic transition indicates a shift towards an aging society.
Der demografische Übergang zeigt einen Wandel hin zu einer alternden Gesellschaft.
C1 noun /ˌdiːpɔːrˈteɪʃən/

deportation

Abschiebung
Meaning
The act of expelling a foreigner from a country.
Example
The deportation of hundreds of workers sparked international criticism.
Die Abschiebung von Hunderten von Arbeitern löste internationale Kritik aus.
C1 adjective /dɪˈrɒɡətɔːri/

derogatory

abwertend
Meaning
Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.
Example
The article contained derogatory comments about the politician.
Der Artikel enthielt abwertende Kommentare über den Politiker.
C1 noun /dɪˈsɜːn.mənt/

discernment

Urteilsvermögen
Meaning
The ability to judge well or understand something correctly; keen insight.
Example
His discernment in business decisions made him successful.
Sein Urteilsvermögen in Geschäft Entscheidungen machte ihn erfolgreich.
C1 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪkəl/

diabolical

diabolisch
Meaning
Wicked, cruel, or outrageously bad; resembling the devil.
Example
The dictator’s diabolical rule brought misery to the nation.
Die diabolische Herrschaft des Diktators brachte Elend in das Land.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɜːrst/

dispersed

verstreut
Meaning
Scattered or spread across a wide area.
Example
The dispersed population made it difficult to provide public services.
Die verstreute Bevölkerung erschwerte die Bereitstellung öffentlicher Dienste.
C1 verb /dɪˈteɪn/

detain

festnehmen
Meaning
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
Example
The police detained the suspect for questioning.
Die Polizei hat den Verdächtigen zur Befragung festgenommen.
C1 verb /dʌb/

dub

synchronisieren
Meaning
to give a name or label to something; to add a soundtrack to a film or recording
Example
The movie was dubbed into several languages for international release.
Der Film wurde in mehrere Sprachen synchronisiert für die internationale Veröffentlichung.
C1 noun dɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtɪv dɪˈzizɪz

degenerative diseases

degenerative Krankheiten
Meaning
Medical conditions that involve the deterioration or progressive decline of tissues, organs, or functions
Example
Degenerative diseases are common in an aging population.
Degenerative Krankheiten sind in einer alternden Bevölkerung verbreitet.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkwaɪətɪŋ/

disquieting

besorgniserregend
Meaning
Causing worry, unease, or anxiety.
Example
The news report was deeply disquieting to the public.
Der Nachrichtenbericht war für die Öffentlichkeit zutiefst besorgniserregend.
C1 noun /dɪsˈlɛksiə/

dyslexia

Dyslexie
Meaning
A learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and decoding words.
Example
The teacher used special methods to help the student with dyslexia.
Der Lehrer verwendete spezielle Methoden, um dem Schüler mit Dyslexie zu helfen.
C1 noun, verb /dɪsˈɑːnər/

dishonor

Schande
Meaning
a state of shame or loss of respect; to bring shame upon someone or something
Example
The soldier felt he had brought dishonor to his family.
Der Soldat fühlte, dass er seiner Familie Schande gebracht hatte.
C1 noun /ˈdɛdlɒk/

deadlock

Stall
Meaning
a situation in which progress is impossible because of disagreement
Example
Negotiations reached a deadlock after neither side agreed to compromise.
Die Verhandlungen erreichten einen Stall, nachdem keine der Parteien einem Kompromiss zustimmte.
C1 noun /ˈdaʊri/

dowry

Morgengabe
Meaning
Property or money brought by a bride to her husband at marriage.
Example
The dowry tradition is still followed in some cultures.
Die Tradition der Morgengabe wird in einigen Kulturen immer noch befolgt.
C1 verb /drɛntʃ/

drench

durchnässen
Meaning
to make someone or something completely wet
Example
The sudden rain drenched the players on the field.
Der plötzliche Regen durchnässte die Spieler auf dem Feld.
C1 verb /druːp/

droop

durchhängen
Meaning
to bend or hang downward; to become weak or tired
Example
The flowers began to droop in the heat.
Die Blumen begannen bei der Hitze durchzuhängen.
C1 verb /daɪˈvʌldʒ/

divulge

enthüllen
Meaning
to make known something private, secret, or previously unknown
Example
She refused to divulge the source of her information.
Sie weigerte sich, die Quelle ihrer Informationen zu enthüllen.
C1 noun /dɪn/

din

Lärm
Meaning
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise
Example
The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate.
Der Lärm des Verkehrs draußen erschwerte das Konzentrieren.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɛns/

dispense

verteilen
Meaning
To distribute or provide something, especially in portions.
Example
The machine dispenses clean drinking water.
Die Maschine dispensiert sauberes Trinkwasser.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɪd.ju.əs/

deciduous

laubabwerfend
Meaning
Referring to trees that shed their leaves seasonally, typically in autumn.
Example
Oak and maple trees are deciduous, shedding leaves in autumn.
Eichen- und Ahornbäume sind laubabwerfend und werfen ihre Blätter im Herbst ab.
C1 noun /djuːˈɛt/

duet

Duett
Meaning
a musical performance by two singers or instrumentalists
Example
They sang a beautiful duet together on stage.
Sie sangen zusammen ein wunderschönes Duett auf der Bühne.
C1 verb /dɪˈbɑːr/

debar

verhindern
Meaning
To officially prevent someone from doing something.
Example
He was debarred from entering the competition due to cheating.
Er wurde aufgrund von Schummeln vom Wettbewerb ausgeschlossen.