In this 6-minute English program, Neil and Rob delve into the concept of schadenfreude, a German loanword that describes the feeling of joy derived from someone else’s misfortune. They explore the psychological aspects and societal implications of experiencing schadenfreude.
Today’s movie
VIDEO URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2lIdSnv1Vw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2lIdSnv1Vw
Listening Quiz
Now, let’s test your knowledge with a quiz on false cognates.
Q1: What does the word ‘rat’ mean in German?
Q2: What is the meaning of ‘comeuppance’?
Q3: What is a hypocrite?
Q4: Define ‘commiserate.’
Q5: What is the noun form of ‘commiserate’?
Vocabulary
Let’s expand our vocabulary on the discussed terms.
schadenfreude
The pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune.
She couldn’t help but feel a sense of schadenfreude when her rival stumbled.
She couldn’t help but feel a sense of schadenfreude when her rival stumbled.
comeuppance
Deserved punishment for one’s actions.
After years of deceit, his comeuppance finally caught up with him.
After years of deceit, his comeuppance finally caught up with him.
justice
Fair treatment or behavior.
The court’s verdict brought a sense of justice to the victims’ families.
The court’s verdict brought a sense of justice to the victims’ families.
hypocrite
A person who pretends to have virtues, moral beliefs, or principles that they do not actually possess.
The politician was exposed as a hypocrite when his corrupt practices were revealed.
The politician was exposed as a hypocrite when his corrupt practices were revealed.
commiserate
To express sympathy or sorrow for someone’s misfortune.
Friends gathered to commiserate with her after the loss of her beloved pet.
Friends gathered to commiserate with her after the loss of her beloved pet.