Lebensüberdruss

weariness of life, profound disillusionment with living

noun LAY-bens-ue-ber-drus Rare

Usage Note

Lebensüberdruss is stronger than Weltschmerz and closer to existential despair — a deep satiation with life that can shade into suicidal ideation. Used in literary, psychological, and journalistic contexts; requires sensitivity.

Examples

"Seine Gedichte atmen einen Lebensüberdruss, der über sein junges Alter hinausgeht."

Natural Translation

His poems breathe a weariness of life that reaches beyond his young age.

Literal Translation

His poems breathe a life-weariness, that over his young age goes beyond.

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