vanity
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vanity
Excessive concern with one's own outward appearance and the effect one has on others; a desire to be admired and self-satisfaction.
Aus reiner Eitelkeit trägt er auch bei warmem Wetter einen Schal, weil er ihm seiner Meinung nach gut steht.
Out of pure vanity, he wears a scarf even in warm weather because he thinks it looks good on him.
'Die Eitelkeit' (vanity) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'eitel' (vain). The ending '-keit' is often used to form abstract nouns from adjectives that describe a quality.
Er ist sehr eitel und schaut ständig in den Spiegel.
He is very vain and constantly looks in the mirror.
To state the reason for an action, the fixed expression 'aus Eitelkeit' (out of vanity) or 'aus reiner Eitelkeit' (out of pure vanity) is often used.
Er kaufte das teure Auto nur aus Eitelkeit.
He bought the expensive car only out of vanity.
Common combinations are 'jemandes Eitelkeit schmeicheln' (to flatter someone's vanity) or 'jemandes Eitelkeit verletzen' (to hurt someone's vanity by criticizing their appearance or abilities).
Mit deiner Kritik hast du seine Eitelkeit tief verletzt.
With your criticism, you deeply hurt his vanity.
This meaning is elevated and dated. It is now found almost only in religious, philosophical, or very old literary texts to describe the transience of worldly things.
Der Roman handelt von der Eitelkeit des menschlichen Strebens nach Macht.
The novel is about the vanity of the human pursuit of power.
ego
'das Ego' and 'die Eitelkeit' both have to do with being strongly focused on oneself. 'das Ego' is more about a sense of one's own importance or the desire to be taken especially seriously. 'die Eitelkeit' refers especially to concern about one's own appearance and the impression one makes on others. It can also mean that someone very much wants to be liked or admired. Learners may confuse the words because both can sound negative. As a simple guide: for power, pride, and self-importance, 'Ego' often fits. For appearance, admiration, and the impression made on others, 'Eitelkeit' is more likely to fit.
Aus Eitelkeit schaut sie vor jedem Foto noch einmal in den Spiegel.
Out of vanity, she looks in the mirror once more before every photo.
Wenn niemand ihn lobt, ist sein Ego sofort verletzt.
If no one praises him, his ego is immediately hurt.