When misfortune befalls others, especially a rival, feelings of delight can surface. A competitor’s bad luck may make us look good and feel better off. Schadenfreude is a German word, with "schaden" meaning damage and "freude" meaning joy. However, it is a universal human phenomenon and not exclusive to individualist cultures. While this is a Western construct, Asians such as the Chinese have simi
What Is Schadenfreude? (Plain Language Explanation)
Schadenfreude refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Schadenfreude
- Symptoms: The specific ways schadenfreude shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen schadenfreude
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When schadenfreude occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Schadenfreude
- Schadenfreude is far more common than most people realize
- Schadenfreude is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with schadenfreude see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about schadenfreude is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing schadenfreude, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.