Looking up...
“Viele Menschen haben Angst vor einem Weltuntergang.”
Many people are afraid of the end of the world.
The destruction or annihilation of the entire world, often associated with catastrophic events or apocalyptic scenarios.
Die Bibel beschreibt den Weltuntergang als das Ende aller Zeiten.
The Bible describes the end of the world as the end of all time.
Wissenschaftler warnen vor den Folgen des Klimawandels, die zum Weltuntergang führen könnten.
Scientists warn of the consequences of climate change, which could lead to the end of the world.
Often used in religious, mythological, or scientific contexts to describe apocalyptic events.
Do not confuse 'Weltuntergang' with 'Weltuntergangsangst' (fear of the end of the world), which is a specific phobia. 'Weltuntergang' refers to the event itself, not the fear of it.
Use 'Weltuntergang' in contexts where the destruction of the entire world is the central theme, such as in religious texts, dystopian literature, or scientific discussions about existential risks.
From German 'Welt' (world) + 'Untergang' (downfall, decline), first attested in the 18th century. The compound reflects the concept of the world's destruction, often tied to religious or mythological narratives.
Weltuntergang is a compound noun that is typically used in formal or literary contexts. It carries a strong connotation of finality and catastrophe, often evoking themes of doom or existential threat. In everyday conversation, terms like 'das Ende der Welt' or 'Apokalypse' may be used interchangeably, though 'Weltuntergang' is more poetic or dramatic.