sincerity / honesty
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sincerity
The quality of being honest, truthful, and without pretense. It describes an attitude in which thoughts, feelings, and actions are in harmony.
Ich schätze ihre Aufrichtigkeit, auch wenn die Wahrheit manchmal unangenehm ist.
I appreciate her sincerity, even if the truth is sometimes unpleasant.
'Aufrichtigkeit' (sincerity) is the noun related to the adjective 'aufrichtig' (sincere). This derives from 'auf' and 'richtig' and describes a 'straight' or 'upright' attitude, meaning honesty without falseness.
Er ist ein sehr aufrichtiger Mensch, dem man vertrauen kann.
He is a very sincere person whom you can trust.
Common verbs used with 'Aufrichtigkeit' (sincerity) are 'Aufrichtigkeit schätzen' (to appreciate sincerity), 'Aufrichtigkeit beweisen' (to prove one's sincerity), and 'an jemandes Aufrichtigkeit zweifeln' (to doubt someone's sincerity).
Nach seiner Lüge zweifelten alle an seiner Aufrichtigkeit.
After his lie, everyone doubted his sincerity.
The phrase 'in aller Aufrichtigkeit' (in all sincerity) is a fixed expression. It is used to emphasize that you mean something absolutely honestly.
Ich muss dir in aller Aufrichtigkeit sagen, dass mir dein Plan nicht gefällt.
I must tell you in all sincerity that I don't like your plan.
openness
'die Offenheit' and 'die Aufrichtigkeit' both describe an honest attitude. 'Offenheit' emphasizes that someone speaks freely and directly about thoughts or feelings. 'Aufrichtigkeit' more strongly emphasizes that someone is honest and does not pretend. The words can be confused because open words often seem sincere. But openness shows itself more in speaking and sharing, while sincerity has more to do with someone's inner attitude and genuine behavior. In conversation, 'Offenheit' often fits; for character and trust, 'Aufrichtigkeit' is more likely.
Der Kunde schätzt die Aufrichtigkeit des Verkäufers, weil er auch Nachteile nennt.
The customer appreciates the salesperson's sincerity because he also mentions the disadvantages.
Nach der Arbeit sprach sie mit großer Offenheit über ihre Sorgen.
After work, she spoke with great openness about her worries.