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.
interest
Active interest and mental involvement in an event, development, or matter.
Die öffentliche Anteilnahme an dem politischen Prozess war erfreulich hoch.
Public interest in the political process was pleasingly high.
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 be directed toward a person’s fate. Interest initially shows that you are following someone’s situation attentively; in addition, Anteilnahme expresses sympathy in a difficult situation. Someone who only wants to know what happens next shows Interesse; someone who empathizes shows Anteilnahme.
Nach Leons Unfall zeigen die Kollegen ihre Anteilnahme und bieten ihm Hilfe an.
After Leon’s accident, his colleagues express their sympathy and offer him help.
Nach Leons Unfall verfolgen die Kollegen mit Interesse, wie seine Genesung vorangeht.
After Leon’s accident, his colleagues follow the progress of his recovery with interest.
