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.
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.
soul
'die Seele' and 'das Bewusstsein' both have to do with a person's inner life. 'die Seele' refers more to a person's deep personality, feelings, and innermost self. 'das Bewusstsein' means the state in which you are awake and aware of yourself and your surroundings. For example, you can lose consciousness, but not your soul. The words can be confused because neither directly describes the body. Use 'Seele' for feelings and personality, and 'Bewusstsein' for being awake and aware.
Nach dem Unfall verlor der Fahrer kurz das Bewusstsein.
After the accident, the driver briefly lost consciousness.
Der Streit hat seine Seele tief verletzt.
The argument deeply wounded his soul.