(das) Fremdschämen
noun: (literally) exterior shame
This word is used to refer to the feeling of embarrassment you might get on account of others’ behaviour, the cringe factor when someone makes a fool of themselves. It is sometimes referred to in English as 'second-hand embarrassment'.
Sie schämte sich, wenn sie ihre Mutter auf der Party tanzen gesehen hat, deshalb verfiel sie dann in einen Zustand des Fremdschämens. = She was ashamed when she saw her mother dancing at the party, so she fell into a state of embarrassment.
A girl looking embarrassed. Photo: Alberto Adán via Pixabay
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