consciousness / awareness
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consciousness
The state in which one is aware of oneself and one's surroundings; the ability to perceive, think, and feel.
Nach dem Sturz auf den Kopf verlor er kurz das Bewusstsein.
After falling on his head, he briefly lost consciousness.
awareness
The recognition, knowledge, or understanding of a particular issue or problem.
Es ist wichtig, ein Bewusstsein für die Risiken des Internets zu schaffen.
It is important to create awareness of the risks of the internet.
The word is made up of the adjective 'bewusst' (aware, conscious) and the ending '-sein' (being). So it literally describes the state of 'Bewusst-Sein' (being conscious).
Er war sich der Gefahr nicht bewusst.
He was not aware of the danger.
In the medical or physical sense, 'Bewusstsein' (consciousness) is often combined with specific verbs: 'das Bewusstsein verlieren' (to lose consciousness), 'das Bewusstsein wiedererlangen' (to regain consciousness), or 'bei Bewusstsein sein' (to be conscious).
Der Fahrer war nach dem Unfall bei vollem Bewusstsein.
The driver was fully conscious after the accident.
When it is about understanding a topic, 'Bewusstsein' (awareness) almost always appears with the preposition 'für' and an accusative object.
Wir müssen ein Bewusstsein für die Umweltprobleme schaffen.
We need to create awareness of environmental problems.
In the meaning of 'Verständnis' (understanding), the word is often used with verbs such as 'schaffen' (to create), 'entwickeln' (to develop), or 'schärfen' (to raise/sharpen) to express that this understanding is being promoted.
Die Kampagne soll das Bewusstsein für Cybermobbing schärfen.
The campaign is intended to raise awareness of cyberbullying.
attention
Aufmerksamkeit directs your thoughts and senses toward something specific. Bewusstsein is broader: it refers to the general ability to perceive yourself and your surroundings. Someone who is conscious can direct their attention toward a particular thing.
Nach ihrem Sturz blieb Lea bei Bewusstsein und nahm die Geräusche um sich herum wahr.
After her fall, Lea remained conscious and perceived the sounds around her.
Im Museum richtete Lea ihre Aufmerksamkeit auf die leisen Geräusche im Nebenraum.
At the museum, Lea directed her attention to the quiet sounds coming from the next room.
