sympathy / interest
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sympathy
The compassion one feels and expresses for someone in a difficult situation, especially in the event of a bereavement.
Wir möchten Ihnen unsere herzliche Anteilnahme zum Tod Ihrer Mutter aussprechen.
We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy on the death of your mother.
The word consists of 'Anteil' (share/part) and 'Nahme' (from 'nehmen', to take). Literally, it means that one 'Anteil nimmt' (takes part/shows concern) in something—either in another person's pain or in an event.
Er nimmt immer großen Anteil am Leben seiner Kinder.
He always takes a great interest in his children's lives.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about grief or a loss, it means sympathy. If it is about public events or discussions, it means interest.
Nach dem Unglück war die Anteilnahme in der Bevölkerung groß.
After the accident, sympathy among the population was great.
In a bereavement, 'herzliche Anteilnahme' (heartfelt sympathy) is a very common and formal phrase. One can 'aussprechen' (express), 'bekunden' (declare), or 'zeigen' (show) one's sympathy.
In der Trauerkarte sprachen sie den Hinterbliebenen ihre tiefe Anteilnahme aus.
In the sympathy card, they expressed their deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
When 'Anteilnahme' means interest, it is often used with the preposition 'an' followed by a noun in the dative. It describes involvement in a matter.
Die Anteilnahme der Bürger an der Stadtplanung war leider gering.
The citizens' interest in urban planning was unfortunately low.
interest
'das Interesse' and 'die Anteilnahme' can both mean that you are mentally or emotionally involved in something. 'Interesse' is the normal word when you show attention or curiosity about a topic. 'Anteilnahme' sounds stronger and more personal. It can mean active interest in an event, but very often also sympathy, especially in a difficult situation or in grief. That is why the words can be confused: in some texts, 'Anteilnahme' means almost 'interest', but in everyday life people often think of sympathy. If it is only about a topic or a question, 'Interesse' is usually more natural.
Nach dem Unfall zeigte die ganze Nachbarschaft große Anteilnahme.
After the accident, the whole neighborhood showed great sympathy.
Zu Hause sprechen wir oft über Politik, weil unser Interesse daran groß ist.
At home, we often talk about politics because our interest in it is strong.