die Verharmlosung
Translation
downplaying, trivialization, minimization
Examples
Die Verharmlosung der Gefahr ist ein Problem.
Downplaying the danger is a problem.
Seine Rede war eine Verharmlosung der Tatsachen.
His speech was a trivialization of the facts.
Grammar Patterns
the Verharmlosung of ((sth.)) the downplaying of (sth.) The downplaying of the problem is dangerous.
a Verharmlosung of ((sth.)) a downplaying of (sth.) That is a downplaying of the risks.
Similar Words
die Bagatellisierung (trivialization), die Beschönigung (euphemism); Antonym: die Dramatisierung (dramatization)
Etymology
From the verb 'verharmlosen' (to downplay), which comes from 'ver-' (prefix for change) + 'harmlos' (harmless). The act of making something seem harmless.
Memory Tips
Think of making something seem 'harmlos' (harmless) when it's actually serious. The prefix 'ver-' often implies a change of state.