Stolz (Pride)
Definition
Stolz is a German word that translates to “pride” in English. It is a complex concept that encompasses a profound sense of self-worth, dignity, confidence, and satisfaction in one’s achievements, qualities, or heritage. Stolz can refer to both an individual’s personal pride and a collective pride felt by a community or nation.
Opposites
While Stolz represents a positive and desirable trait, its opposite is Scham (shame). While Stolz is associated with a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-respect, Scham is rooted in feelings of embarrassment, guilt, or unworthiness.
Synonyms
Stolz can be closely related to other German words such as Zufriedenheit (contentment), Ehre (honor), Selbstbewusstsein (self-confidence), or Hochachtung (esteem). These words may not have an identical meaning but share certain nuances that contribute to the overall concept of pride.
Examples
- Personal Pride: Ein Vater kann Stolz auf die Leistungen seines Sohnes sein. (A father can be proud of his son’s achievements.)
- Cultural Pride: Deutsche sind bekannt für ihren Stolz auf ihre Ingenieurskunst. (Germans are known for their pride in their engineering skills.)
- Collective Pride: Die Fußballmannschaft gewann den Wettbewerb und füllte das ganze Land mit Stolz. (The football team won the competition and filled the entire country with pride.)
In summary, Stolz encompasses a deep sense of self-worth, dignity, and satisfaction. It is the opposite of Scham and can be associated with words like Zufriedenheit, Ehre, Selbstbewusstsein, or Hochachtung. The examples provided illustrate how Stolz can be experienced on a personal, cultural, or collective level.\ Visit YouGlish.com