schande

Schande is a German noun meaning "shame" or "disgrace." It denotes moral or social disapproval directed at an action, behavior, or person, and can refer to the feeling of shame experienced by a person as well as to the sanction or stigma applied by others. In everyday language it appears in phrases such as "eine Schande" or "das ist eine Schande" to express strong disapproval; the expression "Schande über dich" is a direct rebuke.

Etymology: The word comes from Old High German scanda and is cognate with related forms in Dutch schande and other Germanic languages. It has produced several compounds, including "Schandtat" (a shameful act) and "Schandfleck" (a blot on one’s reputation). Historically, public shaming was a social mechanism to enforce norms and could be described in terms of "Schande."

Usage and nuance: In modern German, "Schande" remains primarily a linguistic and moral concept rather than a legal category. It is used in ethical debates, literature, media, and everyday speech to signal reproach, remorse, or appeals to social norms. The concept intersects with ideas of honor, reputation, and social belonging, and can be invoked for rhetorical effect when discussing conduct considered deeply inappropriate or dishonorable.

See also: Shame; Disgrace; Stigma; Honor (ethics).