ego
Loading your saved state.
ego
In general usage, a person's self-esteem or sense of self-importance. A 'großes Ego' (big ego) is often understood as excessive self-confidence.
Seine arrogante Art zeigt, dass er ein riesiges Ego hat.
His arrogant manner shows that he has a huge ego.
ego
In psychology, especially in Freudian psychoanalysis, the part of the personality that mediates between the drives (id), the values (superego), and reality. It corresponds to the 'Ich' (ego/self).
Laut Freud ist es die Aufgabe des Egos, einen Kompromiss zwischen den Impulsen des Es und den Anforderungen der Außenwelt zu finden.
According to Freud, it is the ego's task to find a compromise between the impulses of the id and the demands of the outside world.
You can tell whether the everyday or the psychological meaning is intended from the context. In normal conversations, it is about self-esteem; in specialist texts or discussions about psychology, it refers to the part of the personality described by Freud.
Sein Ego ist zu groß, um einen Fehler zuzugeben.
His ego is too big to admit a mistake.
In everyday language, 'Ego' (ego) is often combined with adjectives that describe self-esteem. Typical expressions are 'ein großes Ego haben' (to have a big ego / to be arrogant) or 'ein gekränktes Ego' (a wounded ego / being offended).
Er hat ein so großes Ego, dass er keine Kritik akzeptiert.
He has such a big ego that he doesn't accept any criticism.
The meaning of 'Ego' (ego) as part of the personality comes from the psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud. In this context, it is a neutral, scientific term and is not meant judgmentally.
Die Entwicklung eines starken Egos ist ein wichtiger Teil der Kindheit.
The development of a strong ego is an important part of childhood.
I
Ich is a pronoun used when a person speaks directly about themselves. Das Ego, by contrast, is a psychological term for one part of the personality. A speaker refers to themselves with ich; in a psychoanalytic description, das Ego can be used.
Das Ego vermittelt zwischen den eigenen Trieben, den Werten und der Realität.
The ego mediates between one’s drives, values, and reality.
Ich versuche, zwischen meinen Wünschen und den Erwartungen anderer abzuwägen.
I try to weigh my wishes against other people’s expectations.
