die Heimsuchung
Translation
affliction, plague, scourge, visitation
Examples
Die Dürre war eine Heimsuchung für die Bauern.
The drought was an affliction for the farmers.
Die zehn Plagen waren Heimsuchungen Gottes.
The ten plagues were visitations from God.
Grammar Patterns
to be an affliction for ((sb.)) The drought was an affliction for the farmers.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Plage (plague), Katastrophe (catastrophe), Prüfung (trial, ordeal)
Etymology
From the verb 'heimsuchen' (to afflict, plague), which combines 'Heim' (home) and 'suchen' (to seek). It implies an unwanted entity seeking out one's home.
Memory Tips
Imagine a disaster or plague 'seeking' ('suchen') out your 'home' ('Heim'). It's a 'visitation' you definitely don't want.