Schande
Es ist eine Schande, dass er so wenig Respekt zeigt.
It's a shame that he shows so little respect.
a state of dishonor or disgrace caused by shameful or immoral behavior
Die ganze Familie lebte in Schande, nachdem der Betrug aufgedeckt wurde.
The entire family lived in shame after the fraud was exposed.
Often used in contexts where someone's actions bring public disapproval or moral condemnation.
a cause of shame or disgrace
Sein Verhalten war eine Schande für die Firma.
His behavior was a disgrace to the company.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Cultural Context
In German-speaking cultures, Schande carries a heavier moral weight than the English 'shame.' It often implies not just personal guilt but a breach of societal norms that affects one's standing in the community.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal Use
Schande is primarily a formal or literary term. In everyday speech, Germans might use 'Pech' (bad luck) or 'Peinlichkeit' (embarrassment) instead, depending on context.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *schande*, from Old High German *scanta*, from Proto-Germanic *skandōną* (to reproach), related to Old English *scand* (shame) and Latin *scandere* (to climb, ascend) metaphorically implying a fall from grace.
Usage Notes
Schande is a strong word often used in moral or ethical contexts. It implies not just personal embarrassment but a public or communal judgment of wrongdoing. In modern usage, it can also be used hyperbolically (e.g., 'Das ist ja eine Schande!' = 'That's outrageous!').