Fremdschämen — German Word of the Day

Here is a German word you need to know. Fremdschämen means feeling embarrassed *for* someone else. Here is how to use it: Bei dieser peinlichen Fernsehsendung bekomme ich richtiges Fremdschämen.. That means: With this cringeworthy TV show, I really feel embarrassed on behalf of the people.. Now you try: Ich musste wegschauen, so stark war das Fremdschämen.. That means: I had to look away, the secondhand embarrassment was so strong.. Add this to your vocabulary on PollyStop.