denationalize
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN Englisch BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanisch FR Französisch DE Deutsch RU Russisch ZH Chinesisch JA Japanisch
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 verb /diːˈnæʃənəlaɪz/

denationalize

denationalisieren
Meaning
to transfer ownership from the government to private individuals or companies
Example
The government decided to denationalize the bank to encourage private investment.
Die Regierung entschied sich, die Bank zu denationalisieren, um private Investitionen zu fördern.
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 noun /ˌdiː.viˈeɪ.ʃən/

Deviation

Abweichung; Abkommen von einem festgelegten Kurs
Meaning
the action of departing from an established course; a departure from usual standards
Example
Any deviation from the established procedure must be reported immediately.
Jede Abweichung von der festgelegten Vorgehensweise muss sofort gemeldet werden.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkɒnsələt/

disconsolate

verzweifelt
Meaning
very unhappy and unable to be comforted
Example
She was disconsolate after hearing the bad news.
Sie war verzweifelt, nachdem sie die schlechten Nachrichten gehört hatte.
C2 noun /ˌdɛspəˈrɑːdoʊ/

desperado

Desperado
Meaning
A bold, reckless, or dangerous person, often a criminal.
Example
The sheriff was determined to capture the desperado who terrorized the town.
Der Sheriff war entschlossen, den Desperado zu fassen, der die Stadt terrorisierte.
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.
C2 noun /ˈdɛntɪfrɪs/

dentifrice

Zahnpasta
Meaning
a substance such as powder, paste, or liquid used to clean teeth
Example
He bought a new herbal dentifrice from the pharmacy.
Er kaufte ein neues Kräuter-Dentifrice in der Apotheke.
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 /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.
B1 verb /ˈdoʊneɪt/

donate

spenden
Meaning
to give money, goods, or time to help others; to contribute
Example
She donates blood every three months.
Sie spendet alle drei Monate Blut.
C2 noun /ˈdeɪ.ɪs/

Dais

Podium
Meaning
a raised platform, typically at one end of a room or hall, for speakers or honored guests
Example
The principal stood on the dais to address the entire school assembly.
Der Direktor stand auf dem Podium, um der gesamten Schulversammlung eine Rede zu halten.
B2 verb /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃieɪt/

differentiate

differenzieren
Meaning
To recognize or make a distinction between things.
Example
It is important to differentiate between fact and opinion.
Es ist wichtig, zwischen Fakten und Meinungen zu differenzieren.
C2 verb /dɔːb/

daub

bestreichen
Meaning
to spread a thick or sticky substance carelessly on a surface
Example
The children daubed paint all over the walls.
Die Kinder bestreichen die Wände mit Farbe.
C2 verb /ˈdiːfælˌkeɪt/

defalcate

veruntreuen
Meaning
to misuse or embezzle money that one is responsible for
Example
The accountant was accused of defalcating company funds.
Der Buchhalter wurde beschuldigt, Unternehmensgelder zu veruntreuen.
B2 verb /dɪˈspoʊz/

dispose

entsorgen
Meaning
To get rid of something, or to arrange or incline towards something.
Example
He disposed of the old furniture responsibly.
Er entsorgte die alten Möbel verantwortungsbewusst.
B2 adjective /dɪˈvɔːrst/

divorced

geschieden
Meaning
No longer married because the marriage has been legally dissolved.
Example
She has been divorced for five years.
Sie ist seit fünf Jahren geschieden.
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 noun /dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃənz/

deliberations

Überlegungen
Meaning
Careful consideration and discussion before making decisions.
Example
Deliberations on sustainability continued for hours.
Die Überlegungen zur Nachhaltigkeit dauerten stundenlang.
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 /ˌdɪs.kʌl.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

discoloration

Verfärbung
Meaning
The process of changing or losing color; fading.
Example
Sun exposure causes discoloration of fabrics.
Sonnenexposition verursacht eine Verfärbung des Stoffs.
B2 adjective /dɪˈskriːt/

discreet

diskret
Meaning
careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to keep something confidential or avoid embarrassment
Example
She was discreet about the details of their conversation.
Sie war diskret über die Details ihres Gesprächs.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛmbəl/

dissemble

vorgetäuschen
Meaning
to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to pretend
Example
He tried to dissemble his anger with a forced smile.
Er versuchte, seinen Ärger mit einem erzwungenen Lächeln zu verbergen.
B2 noun /dɪˈvoʊ.ʃən/

Devotion

Hingabe; Treue; Leidenschaft
Meaning
love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause
Example
Her devotion to helping others made her a beloved figure in the community.
Ihre Hingabe, anderen zu helfen, machte sie zu einer geliebten Figur in der Gemeinschaft.
B2 adjective /dɪˈsɛndənt/

descendent

absteigend
Meaning
Moving downward; going down or descending.
Example
The river followed a descendent course toward the valley.
Der Fluss folgte einem absteigenden Verlauf in Richtung des Tals.
B1 noun /ˈdrɛsɪŋ/

dressing

Salatdressing / Gewürzmischung
Meaning
a sauce for salads; or material used to cover a wound
Example
She prepared a delicious salad with Italian dressing.
Sie hat einen köstlichen Salat mit italienischem Dressing zubereitet.
B1 noun/verb /ˈdɒkjʊmənt/

document

Dokument
Meaning
Noun: A written, printed, or electronic record that provides information or evidence. Verb: To record information in written or electronic form.
Example
She carefully documented all the expenses of the trip.
Sie hat alle Ausgaben der Reise sorgfältig dokumentiert.
B2 verb /drɪp/

drip

tropfen
Meaning
to fall or let fall in drops
Example
Water was dripping from the broken pipe.
Wasser tropfte aus dem defekten Rohr.
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 ˈdaɪ.nə.sti

dynasty

Dynastie
Meaning
A line of hereditary rulers of a country; a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or another field.
Example
The Ming dynasty ruled China for centuries.
Die Ming-Dynastie regierte China über Jahrhunderte.
B2 verb /dɪˈprɛs/

depress

deprimieren
Meaning
To make someone feel sad or without hope; to reduce the level or strength of something.
Example
The gloomy weather tends to depress people.
Das trübe Wetter deprimiert die Leute.
B2 verb /dɪˈspaɪz/

despise

verachten
Meaning
to regard with contempt; to hate strongly
Example
She despises dishonesty in all its forms.
Sie verachtet Unehrlichkeit in allen Formen.
C2 adjective /dɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

derogative

abwertend
Meaning
Expressing a low opinion or showing lack of respect.
Example
He made a derogative remark about her work.
Er machte eine abwertende Bemerkung über ihre Arbeit.
B2 noun /diːd/

Deed

Tat; Heldentat; Rechtsdokument;
Meaning
an action that is performed intentionally or consciously; a legal document showing ownership
Example
His heroic deed saved the child from drowning in the river.
Seine heldenhafte Tat rettete das Kind vor dem Ertrinken im Fluss.
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.
B2 noun /dɪˈdʌk.ʃən/

deduction

Deduktion
Meaning
The process of reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.
Example
His deduction from the evidence was accurate.
Seine Deduktion aus den Beweisen war korrekt.
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.
C2 noun /dɪˈklɪvɪti/

declivity

Hang
Meaning
a downward slope of ground
Example
They carefully climbed down the declivity of the hill.
Sie kletterten vorsichtig den Hang des Hügels hinunter.
C2 noun /doʊˈniː/

donee

Begünstigter
Meaning
A person who receives a gift or donation.
Example
The scholarship fund’s donee expressed heartfelt gratitude.
Der Begünstigte des Stipendienfonds drückte seine aufrichtige Dankbarkeit aus.
B1 noun /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/

disappointment

Enttäuschung
Meaning
the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations
Example
Her face showed deep disappointment after hearing the results.
Ihr Gesicht zeigte tiefe Enttäuschung, nachdem sie die Ergebnisse gehört hatte.
C2 noun /ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjʊəns/

discontinuance

Einstellung
Meaning
the act of stopping something, especially permanently
Example
The discontinuance of the service disappointed many customers.
Die Einstellung des Dienstes enttäuschte viele Kunden.
B2 noun /dɪˈtɛkʃən/

detection

Erkennung
Meaning
the action or process of identifying the presence of something
Example
The detection of fraud in the system was swift.
Die Erkennung von Betrug im System war schnell.
C2 verb /dɪˈdʒɛkt/

deject

entmutigen
Meaning
to make someone feel sad, depressed, or dispirited
Example
The news of his failure seemed to deject him deeply.
Die Nachricht von seinem Misserfolg schien ihn zutiefst zu entmutigen.
B2 adjective /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/

definitive

abschließend
Meaning
serving as a final or most authoritative form; conclusive and decisive
Example
The committee reached a definitive agreement on the policy.
Das Komitee erzielte eine endgültige Vereinbarung über die Politik.
C2 verb /ˈdæli/

dally

trödeln
Meaning
To act or move slowly; to waste time; also to engage in a casual romantic relationship.
Example
He dallied in the garden instead of starting his work.
Er zögerte im Garten, anstatt mit seiner Arbeit zu beginnen.
C1 noun /ˈdɛmənˌstreɪtər/

demonstrator

Demonstrator, Protestierender
Meaning
a person who shows how something works or takes part in a public protest
Example
The demonstrators marched peacefully through the city streets.
Die Demonstranten marschierten friedlich durch die Straßen der Stadt.
B1 verb /daɪv/

dive

tauchen
Meaning
to plunge headfirst into water or another substance
Example
He decided to dive into the pool on a hot day.
Er beschloss, an einem heißen Tag in den Pool zu tauchen.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌdɒktrɪˈnɛər/

doctrinaire

dogmatisch
Meaning
stubbornly devoted to a theory or doctrine without regard to practical considerations
Example
His doctrinaire approach to politics alienated many supporters.
Seine dogmatische Herangehensweise an die Politik entfremdete viele Unterstützer.
A1 noun /deɪ/

Day

Tag
Meaning
a period of twenty-four hours; the time during which there is light
Example
What a beautiful day it is today with clear blue skies!
Was für ein schöner Tag heute mit klarem blauen Himmel!
B2 verb /dʌmp/

dump

etwas achtlos wegwerfen oder ablegen
Meaning
to drop or dispose of something carelessly; to end a relationship suddenly
Example
He dumped all the trash into the bin.
Er hat den ganzen Müll in den Mülleimer geworfen.
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 verb /dɪˈpoʊz/

depose

absetzen
Meaning
to remove someone from office or power, especially suddenly and forcefully
Example
The rebels managed to depose the dictator after years of unrest.
Die Rebellen schafften es, den Diktator nach Jahren der Unruhen abzusetzen.
C2 adjective /dɪˈdjuːsəbl/

deducible

ableitbar
Meaning
able to be deduced; possible to be inferred
Example
The solution is deducible from the data provided.
Die Lösung ist aus den bereitgestellten Daten ableitbar.
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 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.
B2 noun ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz

devastating consequences

verheerende Konsequenzen
Meaning
Extremely harmful or destructive results or effects
Example
Air pollution has devastating consequences for health.
Luftverschmutzung hat verheerende Konsequenzen für die Gesundheit.
A2 noun /ˈdaɪəri/

diary

tagebuch
Meaning
a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences
Example
She wrote about her day in her diary before going to bed.
Sie schrieb über ihren Tag in ihrem Tagebuch, bevor sie ins Bett ging.
A2 noun /dʌk/

Duck

Ente
Meaning
a waterbird with webbed feet and a broad flat bill
Example
The duck swam gracefully across the lake.
Die Ente schwamm anmutig über den See.
B2 adjective /dɪˈvoʊtɪd/

devoted

hingebungsvoll
Meaning
Very loving, loyal, or dedicated.
Example
She is a devoted mother who always puts her children first.
Sie ist eine hingebungsvolle Mutter, die immer ihre Kinder an erste Stelle setzt.
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.
A1 verb /dɪˈsaɪd/

decide

entscheiden
Meaning
To make a choice or judgment about something.
Example
She decided to study abroad after graduation.
Sie entschied sich, nach dem Abschluss im Ausland zu studieren.
C1 verb /dɛlv/

delve

tief eingraben
Meaning
To investigate deeply; to dig into a subject or area.
Example
The researcher delved into ancient manuscripts to find clues.
Der Forscher grub tief in alten Manuskripten, um Hinweise zu finden.
B2 noun /dɪsˈmeɪ/

Dismay

Bestürzung; Alarm
Meaning
concern and distress caused by something unexpected; consternation or alarm
Example
To our dismay, the concert was cancelled due to severe weather conditions.
Zu unserer Bestürzung wurde das Konzert aufgrund schwerer Wetterbedingungen abgesagt.
B2 noun /ˈdiː.sən.si/

Decency

Anstand
Meaning
behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability
Example
She had the decency to apologize for her mistake immediately.
Sie hatte den Anstand, sich sofort für ihren Fehler zu entschuldigen.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡl/

disentangle

entwirren
Meaning
To free something or someone from a tangle or complication.
Example
She tried to disentangle her hair from the branches.
Sie versuchte, ihr Haar von den Zweigen zu entwirren.
B2 noun /djʊˈreɪʃən/

duration

Dauer
Meaning
the length of time that something continues
Example
The meeting lasted for the duration of two hours.
Das Meeting dauerte zwei Stunden.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈdʒʌŋktɪv/

disjunctive

disjunktiv
Meaning
Serving to separate or divide; expressing a choice between alternatives.
Example
In grammar, 'or' is a disjunctive conjunction.
In der Grammatik ist 'oder' eine disjunktive Konjunktion.
B2 adjective daɪˈdʒes.tɪv

digestive

verdauungsfördernd
Meaning
Relating to the digestion of food.
Example
Digestive enzymes help break down food.
Verdauungsenzyme helfen dabei, Nahrung abzubauen.
B1 noun /ˌdek.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

Decoration

Dekoration; Zierde; Preis;
Meaning
the process or art of decorating something; ornamental items used to beautify
Example
The Christmas decoration transformed the ordinary room into a festive wonderland.
Die Weihnachtsdekoration verwandelte den gewöhnlichen Raum in ein festliches Wunderland.
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 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 /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 ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒəns

diligence

Fleiß
Meaning
Careful and persistent work or effort.
Example
Success requires patience and diligence.
Erfolg erfordert Geduld und Fleiß.
B1 noun /ˌdes.tɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Destination

ziel
Meaning
the place to which someone or something is going; the ultimate purpose or end point
Example
Paris was their dream destination for their honeymoon trip.
Paris war ihr Traumziel für ihre Hochzeitsreise.
C1 verb /ˈdæmpən/

dampen

befeuchten, dämpfen
Meaning
to make something slightly wet; to make something less strong, active, or intense
Example
The rain dampened the excitement of the outdoor concert.
Der Regen dampfte die Aufregung des Open-Air-Konzerts.
C2 noun /ˌdɛd ˈhiːt/

dead-heat

Unentschieden
Meaning
a race or contest in which two or more competitors finish exactly equal
Example
The race ended in a dead-heat between the two runners.
Das Rennen endete mit einem Unentschieden zwischen den beiden Läufern.
C1 verb /diːm/

deem

ansehen, beurteilen
Meaning
to regard or consider in a specified way
Example
The project was deemed a success by the board.
Das Projekt wurde vom Vorstand als Erfolg angesehen.
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.
B1 noun /dɒt/

dot

Punkt
Meaning
a small round mark or spot
Example
She drew a red dot on the paper.
Sie malte einen roten Punkt auf das Papier.
C2 verb /dɪsˈteɪn/

distain

verachten
Meaning
to treat with scorn or contempt (archaic form of disdain)
Example
He would never distain those who had less fortune than him.
Er würde niemals diejenigen verachten, die weniger Glück als er hatten.
C2 verb /dɪˈkænt/

decant

dekantieren
Meaning
To pour liquid gently from one container into another, especially without disturbing the sediment.
Example
She carefully decanted the wine into a clean glass.
Sie goss den Wein vorsichtig in ein sauberes Glas.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪstəl/

distal

distal
Meaning
situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment
Example
The doctor examined the distal end of the patient’s arm.
Der Arzt untersuchte das distale Ende des Arms des Patienten.
C1 verb /dɪˈpriːʃieɪt/

depreciate

abwerten
Meaning
to reduce in value over time
Example
Cars tend to depreciate quickly in their first few years.
Autos neigen dazu, schnell an Wert zu verlieren in den ersten Jahren.
C1 verb /ˈdɛprɪˌkeɪt/

deprecate

missbilligen
Meaning
to express disapproval of something
Example
The teacher deprecated the use of slang in academic essays.
Der Lehrer missbilligte den Gebrauch von Slang in akademischen Aufsätzen.
C2 verb /dɪˈbɑːrk/

debark

aussteigen
Meaning
to disembark or get off a ship, aircraft, or vehicle
Example
The passengers debarked as soon as the ship docked.
Die Passagiere stiegen aus, sobald das Schiff anlegte.
A2 noun /ˈdaʊnˌtaʊn/

downtown

Stadtzentrum
Meaning
the central part of a city
Example
They spent the afternoon shopping downtown.
Sie verbrachten den Nachmittag mit Einkäufen im Stadtzentrum.
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.
B2 noun /ˈdeɪ.tə briːtʃ/

data breach

Datenpanne
Meaning
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information through security violation
Example
A data breach exposed millions of users' passwords.
Ein Datenleck hat Millionen von Benutzerpasswörtern offengelegt.
B2 noun /dɪˈpen.dəns/

Dependence

Abhängigkeit
Meaning
the state of relying on or needing someone or something for support; addiction
Example
His dependence on technology made it difficult for him to work without internet.
Seine Abhängigkeit von der Technologie erschwerte es ihm, ohne Internet zu arbeiten.
C2 adjective /dæŋk/

dank

feucht und kalt
Meaning
unpleasantly damp and cold
Example
The basement was dark and dank, filled with a musty smell.
Der Keller war dunkel und feucht, erfüllt von einem muffigen Geruch.
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 /ˈdɪzməl/

Dismal

düster; deprimierend; traurig
Meaning
gloomy; depressing; causing sadness or despair
Example
The weather was dismal with heavy rain and dark clouds.
Das Wetter war düster mit starkem Regen und dunklen Wolken.
C2 verb /dɪˈpreɪv/

deprave

verderben
Meaning
to corrupt morally; to make someone immoral or wicked
Example
The novel was criticized for attempting to deprave the minds of young readers.
Der Roman wurde kritisiert, weil er versuchte, die Gedanken der jungen Leser zu verderben.
B2 verb /dɪˈsiːv/

deceive

täuschen
Meaning
To cause someone to believe something that is not true.
Example
He tried to deceive his friends with a fake story.
Er versuchte, seine Freunde mit einer falschen Geschichte zu täuschen.
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.
B2 noun /ˌdel.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

delegation

Delegation
Meaning
A group of people chosen to represent others in negotiations or discussions.
Example
The delegation presented their country's agenda.
Die Delegation präsentierte die Agenda ihres Landes.
B1 verb /dæm/

damn

verdammen / Fluch
Meaning
to condemn or criticize strongly; used as an expletive to express anger or emphasis
Example
He damned the unfair system in his speech.
Er verdammte das ungerechte System in seiner Rede.
C1 verb, noun /dɪsˈkrɛdɪt/

discredit

diskreditieren
Meaning
To harm the reputation of someone or something; loss of respect or credibility.
Example
The scandal discredited the politician in the eyes of the public.
Der Skandal diskreditierte den Politiker in den Augen der Öffentlichkeit.
B2 noun dɪˈveləpɪŋ ˈriːdʒənz

developing regions

Entwicklungsregionen
Meaning
Areas or countries that are in the process of economic growth and development
Example
Pollution affects developing regions the most.
Verschmutzung betrifft am meisten Entwicklungsregionen.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛm.ɪ.neɪt/

disseminate

verbreiten
Meaning
To spread or give out something, especially news, information, ideas, etc., to a lot of people.
Example
Social media helps to disseminate information quickly.
Soziale Medien helfen dabei, Informationen schnell zu verbreiten.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsɪnˈhɛrɪt/

disinherit

enterben
Meaning
to deprive someone, especially a child, of inheritance or right to property
Example
The father threatened to disinherit his son for his reckless actions.
Der Vater drohte, seinen Sohn wegen seiner rücksichtslosen Handlungen zu enterben.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪɡræf/

digraph

Digraph
Meaning
A pair of letters representing a single sound, such as 'sh' in 'ship'.
Example
In the word 'phone', the letters 'ph' form a digraph.
Im Wort 'Telefon' bilden die Buchstaben 'ph' einen Digraph.
A1 verb /drɪŋk/

drink

trinken
Meaning
to take liquid into the mouth and swallow it
Example
I drink water every morning.
Ich trinke jeden Morgen Wasser.
B1 noun dɪˈmɒk.rə.si

democracy

Demokratie
Meaning
A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Example
Democracy ensures equal rights for all citizens.
Demokratie gewährleistet gleiche Rechte für alle Bürger.
B1 adjective /dɪsˈɒnəst/

Dishonest

unehrlich; betrügerisch; täuschend
Meaning
not honest; fraudulent; deceitful
Example
The dishonest salesman tried to sell them a broken car.
Der unehrliche Verkäufer versuchte, ihnen ein kaputtes Auto zu verkaufen.
C2 adjective /ˈdekərəs/

decorous

vornehm
Meaning
showing proper and polite behavior; marked by good taste
Example
The audience gave a decorous applause after the performance.
Das Publikum spendete nach der Aufführung höflichen Applaus.
C2 verb /diːˈlɪmɪt/

delimit

abgrenzen
Meaning
to fix the boundaries or limits of something
Example
The treaty was signed to delimit the borders of the two countries.
Der Vertrag wurde unterzeichnet, um die Grenzen der beiden Länder festzulegen.
A1 adjective ˈdɪfɪkəlt

difficult

schwierig
Meaning
Needing much effort or skill to accomplish, deal with, or understand; hard.
Example
Managing urban challenges has become increasingly difficult.
Die Bewältigung städtischer Herausforderungen wird zunehmend schwierig.
B2 adverb /ˈden.sli/

densely

dicht
Meaning
In a closely compacted or crowded manner.
Example
The area is densely covered with trees.
Das Gebiet ist dicht mit Bäumen bedeckt.
C2 noun/adjective /ˈdɪstæf/

distaff

mit Frauen oder der mütterlichen Seite der Familie verbunden
Meaning
Relating to women or the maternal side of a family; also a tool for spinning thread.
Example
She came from the distaff side of a noble family.
Sie kam von der mütterlichen Seite einer edlen Familie.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɛnsəbəl/

defensible

verteidigbar / gerechtfertigt
Meaning
Capable of being protected against attack or criticism; justifiable.
Example
Her decision was legally defensible.
Ihre Entscheidung war rechtlich verteidigenswert.
C1 noun /ˈdiːvə/

diva

berühmte Sängerin
Meaning
a famous female singer; a woman who is admired or behaves like a star
Example
The pop diva performed her latest hit to a cheering crowd.
Die Pop-Diva trat mit ihrem neuesten Hit vor einer jubelnden Menge auf.
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.
C2 noun /dɪsˈjuːnjən/

disunion

Zerwürfung
Meaning
the state of being separated or not united
Example
Civil wars often result from national disunion.
Bürgerkriege entstehen oft durch nationale Zerwürfung.
A2 verb dɪˈvɛləp

develop

entwickeln
Meaning
To grow or bring to a more advanced or effective state; to start to exist, experience, or possess gradually.
Example
Develop a brand based on your passion and skills.
Entwickle eine Marke, die auf deiner Leidenschaft und deinen Fähigkeiten basiert.
C2 noun /ˌdiːlɛkˈteɪʃən/

delectation

Vergnügen
Meaning
great pleasure or delight
Example
She read the story aloud for the delectation of her friends.
Sie las die Geschichte laut für das Vergnügen ihrer Freunde.
B1 verb /dɪˈlɪvər/

deliver

liefern
Meaning
to bring or hand over something to the intended recipient
Example
The courier will deliver the package tomorrow.
Der Kurier wird das Paket morgen liefern.
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 /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.
B2 verb /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

diminish

verringern
Meaning
to make or become less; to reduce in size, importance, or value
Example
Over time, his influence in the company began to diminish.
Mit der Zeit begann sein Einfluss im Unternehmen zu schwinden.