jealousy
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jealousy
A painful feeling of fear of losing an important relationship or a person's affection to a rival.
Seine krankhafte Eifersucht machte eine normale Unterhaltung mit anderen Männern unmöglich.
His pathological jealousy made a normal conversation with other men impossible.
The word 'Eifersucht' (jealousy) is composed of 'Eifer' (zeal/strong will) and 'Sucht' (addiction/dependence). Figuratively, it describes an exaggerated, almost compulsive feeling.
Ihre Eifersucht war so stark, dass sie ihm nicht mehr vertrauen konnte.
Her jealousy was so strong that she could no longer trust him.
When you want to say whom or what someone is jealous of, use the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative.
Er spürte eine starke Eifersucht auf seinen erfolgreicheren Kollegen.
He felt strong jealousy toward his more successful colleague.
The related adjective is 'eifersüchtig' (jealous). It is often used in the construction 'eifersüchtig sein auf' (to be jealous of) with the accusative.
Bist du eifersüchtig auf seine neue Freundin?
Are you jealous of his new girlfriend?
The context makes clear what kind of jealousy is meant. In romantic relationships, it is about fear of losing affection. In professional or family contexts, it is often about envy of success or attention.
Ihre Eifersucht auf ihren Ex-Partner war ungesund.
Her jealousy toward her ex-partner was unhealthy.
In the context of relationships, people often speak of 'krankhafte Eifersucht' (pathological jealousy). A typical action is to do something 'aus Eifersucht' (out of jealousy).
Er hat sie aus reiner Eifersucht kontrolliert.
He controlled her out of pure jealousy.
envy
'der Neid' and 'die Eifersucht' are both unpleasant feelings that arise when someone else has or gets something you would like to have yourself. 'Neid' often refers to another person's things, success, luck, or qualities. 'Eifersucht' is often about a relationship and the fear of losing an important person's affection. But it can also arise when someone receives more attention or recognition. That is why the words can be confused. As a simple guide: Neid is usually directed at what someone has; Eifersucht is often directed at a person or at attention you might lose.
Nach dem Gespräch mit seiner Ex-Freundin konnte Tom seine Eifersucht kaum verbergen.
After the conversation with his ex-girlfriend, Tom could hardly hide his jealousy.
Karim spürt Neid, als sein Kollege die Beförderung bekommt.
Karim feels envy when his colleague gets the promotion.