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All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C1 noun /ˌdiː.kɒmpəˈzɪʃən/

decomposition

Zersetzung
Meaning
the process of decaying or breaking down into simpler parts
Example
The decomposition of leaves enriches the soil.
Die Zersetzung von Blättern bereichert den Boden.
C1 verb /dɪˈplɔːr/

deplore

deplorieren
Meaning
to feel or express strong disapproval of something; to regret deeply
Example
Many people deplore the violence shown on television.
Viele Menschen deplorieren die auf dem Fernsehen gezeigte Gewalt.
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 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 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/adjective /dɪˈtɜː.rənt/

deterrent

abschreckendes Mittel
Meaning
A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.
Example
A strict law serves as a deterrent to crime.
Ein strenges Gesetz dient als abschreckendes Mittel gegen Verbrechen.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkʌlər/

discolor

verfärben
Meaning
to change color, especially in a way that spoils the original appearance
Example
The fabric began to discolor after being left in the sun.
Der Stoff begann sich zu verfärben, nachdem er in der Sonne gelassen wurde.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪnəˌmoʊ/

dynamo

Maschine, die Elektrizität erzeugt; eine Person mit großer Energie und Begeisterung
Meaning
A machine that generates electricity; a person with great energy and enthusiasm.
Example
She is the real dynamo behind the success of the company.
Sie ist die wahre Dynamo hinter dem Erfolg des Unternehmens.
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 noun dəˌmɛstɪˈkeɪʃən

domestication

Domestikation
Meaning
The process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or for farm produce.
Example
Domestication of animals has been crucial for human survival.
Die Domestikation von Tieren war entscheidend für das Überleben des Menschen.
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 noun /ˈdɛljuːdʒ/

deluge

Überschwemmung
Meaning
A severe flood; an overwhelming quantity of something.
Example
The town was hit by a deluge of rain in just a few hours.
Die Stadt wurde in nur wenigen Stunden von einem Überschuss an Regen getroffen.
C1 verb /dəˈmɛstɪkeɪt/

domesticate

domestizieren
Meaning
to tame an animal for use by humans; to adapt something for domestic use
Example
Humans domesticated dogs thousands of years ago.
Menschen domestizierten Hunde vor Tausenden von Jahren.
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 adjective /dɪsˈpæʃənət/

dispassionate

unbeteiligt
Meaning
not influenced by strong emotion; impartial
Example
The judge remained dispassionate throughout the trial.
Der Richter blieb während des gesamten Prozesses unbeteiligt.
C1 adverb /ˈduːli/

Duly

ordnungsgemäß, pünktlich
Meaning
in accordance with what is required or appropriate; at the proper time
Example
The documents were duly signed and submitted.
Die Dokumente wurden ordnungsgemäß unterschrieben und eingereicht.
C1 noun /dɪsˈɒn.ər/

Dishonour

Schande
Meaning
a state of shame or disgrace; lack of honor or integrity; failure to fulfill obligations
Example
Breaking his promise brought dishonour to his name and family legacy.
Das Brechen seines Versprechens brachte Schande auf seinen Namen und sein Familienerbe.
C1 noun dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃən

deliberation

Überlegung
Meaning
Long and careful consideration or discussion.
Example
The agreement was finalized after much deliberation.
Die Vereinbarung wurde nach viel Überlegung finalisiert.
C1 adjective dɒɡˈmæt.ɪk

dogmatic

dogmatisch
Meaning
Being inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true; characterized by arrogant assertion of unproven principles.
Example
His dogmatic approach to politics made discussions difficult.
Sein dogmatischer Ansatz in der Politik erschwerte die Diskussionen.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɛkʃən/

defection

Defektion
Meaning
The act of abandoning one’s country, cause, or group in favor of another.
Example
The politician’s defection shocked his supporters.
Die Defektion des Politikers schockierte seine Anhänger.
C1 noun /ˈdɑː.mə.saɪl/

domicile

Wohnsitz
Meaning
A person's legal residence or permanent home.
Example
He declared Canada as his legal domicile.
Er erklärte Kanada als seinen rechtlichen Wohnsitz.
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 /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 noun /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/

disposition

Disposition
Meaning
A person's usual attitude or temperament; arrangement or tendency.
Example
She has a cheerful disposition despite the difficulties.
Sie hat eine fröhliche Disposition trotz der Schwierigkeiten.
C1 noun /dɪˈmaɪz/

demise

Tod / Ende
Meaning
Death or end of something, especially the end of an institution or system.
Example
The sudden demise of the company shocked investors.
Der plötzliche Untergang des Unternehmens schockierte die Investoren.
C1 noun /ˈdɒɡmə/

dogma

Dogma
Meaning
A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
Example
The religious leader strictly adhered to traditional dogma.
Der religiöse Führer hielt sich streng an das traditionelle Dogma.
C1 noun ˌdjʊə.rəˈbɪl.ə.ti

durability

Haltbarkeit
Meaning
The ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing.
Example
The durability of materials affects performance.
Die Haltbarkeit von Materialien beeinflusst die Leistung.
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 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 verb /dɪˈspɜːrs/

disperse

zerstreuen
Meaning
To scatter or spread widely in different directions.
Example
The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Die Polizei hat Tränengas eingesetzt, um die Menge zu zerstreuen.
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 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 adjective /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃəl/

differential

differenziell
Meaning
Relating to or showing a difference; involving a distinction.
Example
There is a differential treatment between the two groups.
Es gibt eine differenzielle Behandlung zwischen den beiden Gruppen.
C1 noun dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nənt

determinant

entscheidender Faktor
Meaning
A factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something.
Example
Education is a key determinant of success.
Bildung ist ein entscheidender Faktor für den Erfolg.
C1 verb/adjective /dɪˈdʒɛnəreɪt/

degenerate

degenerieren
Meaning
To decline or deteriorate in quality, character, or condition; or someone with low moral standards.
Example
The once thriving empire began to degenerate into chaos.
Das einst blühende Reich begann, in Chaos zu degenerieren.
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 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 verb /deɪz/

daze

betäuben
Meaning
to stun or confuse someone temporarily with a shock or surprise
Example
The bright lights dazed the runners as they entered the stadium.
Die hellen Lichter betäubten die Läufer, als sie das Stadion betraten.
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 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 /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 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 /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 verb, noun /ˌdɪsɪˈluːʒən/

disillusion

Desillusion
Meaning
to cause someone to realize that something is not as good as they believed
Example
The scandal disillusioned many voters.
Der Skandal hat viele Wähler desillusioniert.
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 noun dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

dexterity

Geschicklichkeit
Meaning
Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands; mental skill or adroitness.
Example
His dexterity in playing the piano amazed the audience.
Seine Geschicklichkeit beim Klavierspielen erstaunte das Publikum.
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 verb /dɪˈfrɔːd/

defraud

betrügen
Meaning
to illegally take money or valuables from someone by deception
Example
The company was accused of trying to defraud investors.
Das Unternehmen wurde beschuldigt, Investoren zu betrügen.
C1 noun /ˈduːmz.deɪ/

Doomsday

der Jüngste Tag; der Tag des Weltuntergangs
Meaning
the last day of the world's existence; a time of catastrophic destruction
Example
The preacher spoke about doomsday and the importance of preparing spiritually.
Der Prediger sprach über den Jüngsten Tag und die Bedeutung der spirituellen Vorbereitung.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsˈmaʊnt/

dismount

absteigen
Meaning
to get off or down from something, especially a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle
Example
The rider dismounted from the horse after a long journey.
Der Reiter stieg nach einer langen Reise vom Pferd ab.
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 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 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 /dɪsˈɡrʌntl/

disgruntle

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

daunt

abschrecken
Meaning
to make someone feel intimidated, discouraged, or less confident
Example
The steep climb did not daunt the experienced hikers.
Der steile Anstieg hat die erfahrenen Wanderer nicht eingeschüchtert.
C1 adjective /ˈdaɪ.si/

dicey

riskant
Meaning
Risky or unpredictable; potentially dangerous.
Example
Investing in that company looks pretty dicey right now.
Investieren in diese Firma scheint im Moment ziemlich riskant zu sein.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

drakonisch
Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
Die neuen Vorschriften wurden als drakonisch kritisiert.
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 noun /djʊˈrɛs/

duress

Zwang
Meaning
threats, violence, or pressure used to force someone to do something
Example
She signed the contract under duress.
Sie unterschrieb den Vertrag unter Zwang.
C1 verb /ˈdiːmɑːrˌkeɪt/

demarcate

abgrenzen
Meaning
to set the boundaries or limits of something
Example
The land was demarcated with fences to avoid disputes.
Das Land wurde mit Zäunen abgegrenzt, um Streitigkeiten zu vermeiden.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv/

demonstrative

ausdrucksvoll
Meaning
openly showing feelings, especially affection or emotion
Example
She was very demonstrative with her affection towards her friends.
Sie war sehr ausdrucksvoll mit ihrer Zuneigung zu ihren Freunden.
C1 verb /ˌdiːˈbʌŋk/

debunk

widerlegen, die Falschheit von etwas aufdecken
Meaning
Expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief).
Example
Scientists debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism.
Wissenschaftler widerlegten den Mythos, dass Impfstoffe Autismus verursachen.
C1 noun /ˈdɪs.ə.nəns/

dissonance

Dissonanz
Meaning
Disagreement, lack of harmony, conflict between ideas or beliefs.
Example
The cultural dissonance created misunderstandings.
Die kulturelle Dissonanz führte zu Missverständnissen.
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 noun /djuːn/

dune

Düne
Meaning
A hill or ridge of sand formed by the wind, usually found in deserts or near beaches.
Example
The children played on the sand dune by the beach.
Die Kinder spielten auf der Sanddüne am Strand.
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 dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɔːri

discriminatory

diskriminierend
Meaning
Making or showing an unfair or prejudicial distinction between different categories of people or things.
Example
Discriminatory policies triggered protests.
Diskriminierende Politiken lösten Proteste aus.
C1 noun /dɪˌnɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

denomination

Konfession, Wert
Meaning
a recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church; a unit of value or currency
Example
The church belongs to a Protestant denomination.
Die Kirche gehört einer protestantischen Konfession an.
C1 verb /dɪsˈmæntəl/

dismantle

abreißen
Meaning
to take apart; to remove or destroy the parts of
Example
Workers will dismantle the old bridge next month.
Arbeiter werden die alte Brücke nächsten Monat abbauen.
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 /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 noun ˌdɪm.ɪˈnjuː.ʃən

diminution

Verringerung
Meaning
A reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something; decrease.
Example
There has been a diminution in air pollution.
Es gab eine Verringerung der Luftverschmutzung.
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, 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 adjective /ˈdɛkədənt/

decadent

dekadent, luxuriös
Meaning
Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline; excessively self-indulgent.
Example
The party was filled with decadent luxury and excess.
Die Party war voller dekadenter Luxus und Exzesse.
C1 adjective /dɪˈstrɔːt/

distraught

verstört
Meaning
extremely upset and anxious, often to the point of being unable to think clearly
Example
She was distraught after losing her pet.
Sie war verstört, nachdem sie ihr Haustier verloren hatte.
C1 verb /dɪˈfeɪs/

deface

verunstalten
Meaning
to spoil the surface or appearance of something, especially by writing or drawing on it
Example
The vandals defaced the wall with graffiti.
Die Vandalen verunstalteten die Wand mit Graffiti.
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 noun /diːˈkrɪp.ʃən/

decryption

Dekodierung
Meaning
The process of converting encrypted data back into its original form so it can be understood.
Example
Hackers attempted decryption of classified data.
Hacker versuchten, die Dekodierung von klassifizierten Daten durchzuführen.
C1 noun ˌdaɪvɜːsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən

diversification

Diversifikation
Meaning
The practice of spreading investments across various assets or sectors to reduce risk.
Example
Diversification helps to reduce investment risk.
Diversifikation hilft, das Investitionsrisiko zu verringern.
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 verb /diːˈkoʊd/

decode

dekodieren
Meaning
to convert a coded message into a readable form; to interpret meaning
Example
The software can decode the hidden message within seconds.
Die Software kann die versteckte Nachricht in wenigen Sekunden dekodieren.
C1 noun /dɪˈspɜːrʒən/

dispersion

Verteilung
Meaning
The action or process of distributing things or people over a wide area.
Example
The dispersion of seeds by the wind helps plants reproduce.
Die Verteilung von Samen durch den Wind hilft Pflanzen, sich zu vermehren.
C1 verb /dɪˈfɔːrm/

deform

verformen
Meaning
to change the shape or form of something, especially in a way that makes it ugly or damaged; to distort
Example
The intense heat began to deform the plastic container.
Die intensive Hitze begann, den Plastikbehälter zu verformen.
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 dɪˈskrep.ən.siz

discrepancies

Abweichung
Meaning
Differences between things that should be the same
Example
Discrepancies in regulations delay progress.
Abweichungen in den Vorschriften verzögern den Fortschritt.
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 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 verb /dɪsˈsætɪsfaɪ/

dissatisfy

enttäuschen
Meaning
to fail to please or meet expectations; to make someone unhappy
Example
The poor service dissatisfies many customers.
Der schlechte Service enttäuscht viele Kunden.
C1 adjective /daɪər/

Dire

schlimm; dringend; schrecklich
Meaning
extremely serious; urgent; terrible
Example
The country is facing a dire economic crisis.
Das Land steht vor einer schlimmen wirtschaftlichen Krise.
C1 verb /dɪsˈɑːrm/

disarm

entwaffnen
Meaning
to take weapons away from someone; to make someone feel less hostile
Example
The soldiers were ordered to disarm the rebels.
Den Soldaten wurde befohlen, die Rebellen zu entwaffnen.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɪrɪtɪd/

dispirited

entmutigt
Meaning
Having lost enthusiasm, hope, or confidence; dejected.
Example
After losing the match, the team looked dispirited.
Nach der Niederlage sah das Team entmutigt aus.
C1 noun /ˈdæɡ.ər/

Dagger

Dolch
Meaning
a short knife with a pointed blade used as a weapon
Example
The ancient warrior carried a silver dagger.
Der antike Krieger trug einen silbernen Dolch.
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 noun /dɪˈkriː/

Decree

Dekret
Meaning
an official order issued by a legal authority; a judicial decision or edict
Example
The king issued a decree that all citizens must pay additional taxes.
Der König erließ ein Dekret, dass alle Bürger zusätzliche Steuern zahlen müssen.
C1 noun ˌdiːˌrɛɡ.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

deregulation

Deregulierung
Meaning
The removal or reduction of government regulations in an economic sector.
Example
Deregulation has increased competition in the telecommunications sector.
Die Deregulierung hat den Wettbewerb im Telekommunikationssektor erhöht.
C1 verb /dɪˈfjuːz/

diffuse

verbreiten
Meaning
to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people
Example
The smell of fresh bread diffused through the entire house.
Der Duft von frischem Brot verbreitete sich im ganzen Haus.
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 adjective /dɪsˈrɛpjətəbl̩/

disreputable

skandalös
Meaning
having a bad reputation; not considered respectable or trustworthy
Example
The journalist avoided staying in the disreputable part of town.
Der Journalist vermied es, im skandalösen Teil der Stadt zu bleiben.
C1 noun /deɪˈtɑːnt/

detente

Entspannung
Meaning
the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries
Example
The two nations worked toward detente after decades of conflict.
Die beiden Nationen arbeiteten nach Jahrzehnten des Konflikts auf Entspannung hin
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 noun /ˌdɪs.əˈreɪ/

disarray

Unordnung
Meaning
A state of disorganization or untidiness; confusion or disorder.
Example
His desk was in complete disarray.
Sein Schreibtisch war in völliger Unordnung.
C1 verb /dɪˈfaɪl/

defile

entweihen
Meaning
to pollute, corrupt, or make dirty
Example
The river was defiled by industrial waste.
Der Fluss wurde durch Industrieabfälle entweiht.
C1 noun /ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/

dissertation

Dissertation
Meaning
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually written for a university degree.
Example
She spent two years writing her doctoral dissertation.
Sie verbrachte zwei Jahre mit dem Schreiben ihrer Dissertation.
C1 adjective /ˈdɒdʒi/

Dodgy

verdächtig; fragwürdig; unzuverlässig; riskant oder gefährlich
Meaning
suspicious; questionable; unreliable; risky or dangerous
Example
That deal sounds dodgy to me.
Dieser Deal klingt für mich verdächtig.
C1 verb /daɪˈvɛst/

divest

abstoßen
Meaning
to strip away possessions, rights, or assets; to rid oneself of
Example
The company decided to divest its unprofitable division.
Das Unternehmen hat beschlossen, sich von seiner unrentablen Abteilung zu trennen.
C1 noun /ˈdrɪz.əl/

Drizzle

Nieselregen
Meaning
light rain falling in very fine drops; a very light rainfall
Example
The gentle drizzle continued throughout the morning, making everything misty.
Der sanfte Nieselregen setzte sich den ganzen Morgen fort und ließ alles neblig erscheinen.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈsɪmɪlər/

dissimilar

ungleich
Meaning
Not alike; different.
Example
Though they are twins, their personalities are dissimilar.
Obwohl sie Zwillinge sind, sind ihre Persönlichkeiten ungleich.
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 verb ˈdwɪn.dl

dwindle

schwinden
Meaning
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength; to become progressively smaller.
Example
His savings dwindled due to unexpected expenses.
Seine Ersparnisse schwanden aufgrund unerwarteter Ausgaben.
C1 verb /dɪˈfeɪm/

defame

verleumden
Meaning
to harm someone's reputation by spreading false information
Example
He was defamed by malicious rumors.
Er wurde durch bösartige Gerüchte diffamiert.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛkt/

dissect

sezieren
Meaning
to cut apart an animal, plant, or other organism to study its internal parts; to analyze something in detail
Example
In biology class, students had to dissect a frog to learn about its anatomy.
Im Biologieunterricht mussten die Schüler einen Frosch sezieren, um seine Anatomie zu lernen.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

discerning

scharfsinnig
Meaning
having good judgment or insight; able to distinguish well
Example
He is a discerning reader who notices subtle details.
Er ist ein scharfsinniger Leser, der subtile Details bemerkt.
C1 noun /ˈdɪŋɡi/

dinghy

kleines Boot
Meaning
a small boat, often carried or towed by a larger vessel, used for short trips or as a lifeboat
Example
They rowed the dinghy back to the yacht.
Sie ruderten das Dinghi zurück zum Yacht.
C1 verb /daʊs/

douse

löschen / gießen
Meaning
to pour liquid over; to extinguish a fire or light
Example
Firefighters doused the flames with water.
Die Feuerwehrleute löschten die Flammen mit Wasser.
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 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 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 /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 /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.