das Armutszeugnis
Translation
indictment, sign of failure, pathetic display, admission of failure
Examples
Seine Antwort war ein einziges Armutszeugnis.
His answer was a complete sign of failure.
Das ist ein Armutszeugnis für die moderne Gesellschaft.
That is an indictment of modern society.
Sich selbst ein Armutszeugnis ausstellen.
To issue oneself a certificate of failure.
Grammar Patterns
sth. is an Armutszeugnis (for sb./sth.) sth. is an indictment (of sb./sth.) The result is an indictment of the team.
to issue oneself an Armutszeugnis to make a fool of oneself, to show one's own incompetence With this action, he really showed his incompetence.
Similar Words
Etymology
Composed of 'Armut' (poverty) and 'Zeugnis' (certificate, report card). Literally a 'poverty certificate', it's used figuratively to mean a sign of inadequacy or failure.
Memory Tips
Imagine receiving a report card ('Zeugnis') that certifies your 'poverty' ('Armut') of skills or resources. This image helps remember its figurative meaning of failure.