I'm learning svenska

dekadens — meaning in English: decadence

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for decadence
idé
tänka
väg
dekadens
dokumentera
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Swedish for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
formal advanced
Usage
Native speakers of Swedish often use the word 'dekadens' in discussions about art, literature, or societal trends, particularly when critiquing a perceived moral decline or excess in culture. For instance, you might hear it in a literary analysis discussing the themes of a novel that explores hedonism and the fall of societal values.
Synonyms & nuances
'Dekadens' can be compared to 'överflöd' (excess) and 'moraliskt förfall' (moral decay). However, 'dekadens' carries a more artistic and philosophical connotation, often related to cultural criticism, while the other terms may refer more broadly to excess without the nuanced artistic context.
Culture
The Swedish word 'dekadens' derives from the Latin 'decadentia', which means decline or falling away. In Sweden, the term gained cultural weight particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when artists and intellectuals debated the moral implications of modernity and excess, reflecting a broader European fascination with decadence as both a lifestyle and artistic movement.
FAQ
Q.What does dekadens mean in English?
'Dekadens' translates to 'decadence' in English, referring to a state of moral or cultural decline characterized by excessive indulgence or luxuriousness.
Q.How do you use dekadens in a sentence?
You can use 'dekadens' in a sentence like: 'Den litterära rörelsen präglades av dekadens och utforskning av mörka teman', which means 'The literary movement was characterized by decadence and exploration of dark themes.'
Q.Are there common mistakes when using dekadens?
One common mistake is using 'dekadens' in casual conversation, as it is more suited for formal or literary contexts. Ensure that the context is appropriate to convey the depth of the word.
Learn swedish with Maspeak →
Swedish Vocabulary