egoism / selfishness
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selfishness
An attitude in which one's own self and one's own interests, wishes, and well-being are placed excessively in the foreground. The term usually has a negative connotation and is often used as a synonym for selfishness or self-centeredness.
Sein rücksichtsloser Egoismus macht es schwer, mit ihm im Team zusammenzuarbeiten.
His ruthless selfishness makes it difficult to work with him on a team.
The ending '-ismus' often denotes a worldview, an attitude, or a behavior. The word stem 'Ego' comes from Latin and means 'I' or 'self'.
Sein Verhalten ist von reinem Egoismus geprägt.
His behavior is marked by pure selfishness.
The word family includes the adjective 'egoistisch' (selfish) and the person 'der Egoist' or 'die Egoistin' (egoist/selfish person).
Es ist egoistisch, nur an sich selbst zu denken.
It is selfish to think only of yourself.
'Egoismus' (egoism/selfishness) is often intensified with adjectives like 'rein' (pure), 'pur' (sheer), or 'bloß' (mere). The preposition 'aus' describes the motivation: 'aus Egoismus handeln' (to act out of selfishness).
Er hat dir nicht geholfen? Das ist ja purer Egoismus!
He didn't help you? That's pure selfishness!
narcissism
Both words describe a strong focus on oneself. „Egoismus“ mainly emphasizes that someone puts their own interests above the interests of others. „Narzissmus“ additionally highlights excessive self-admiration and a need for recognition.
Sein Egoismus zeigt sich darin, dass er bei der Arbeit immer nur seine eigenen Vorteile sucht.
His selfishness is evident in the fact that he always looks for his own advantages at work.
Sein Narzissmus zeigt sich darin, dass er bei der Arbeit ständig bewundert werden will.
His narcissism is evident in the fact that he constantly wants to be admired at work.
