hostility
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hostility
A hostile, rejecting attitude or corresponding behavior toward a person or group. It describes a feeling or atmosphere of hatred, aggression, or strong dislike.
Die Feindseligkeit zwischen den beiden Nachbarn war für alle spürbar.
The hostility between the two neighbors was noticeable to everyone.
The word is derived from 'der Feind' (enemy). The ending '-keit' turns the adjective 'feindselig' (hostile) into a noun that describes an attitude or quality.
Trotz des Streits gab es keine offene Feindseligkeit zwischen ihnen.
Despite the argument, there was no open hostility between them.
In the singular, 'die Feindseligkeit' (hostility) describes a rejecting attitude or feeling. In the plural, 'die Feindseligkeiten' (hostilities), it almost always refers to concrete acts of war.
In der Gruppe herrschte eine eisige Feindseligkeit.
There was an icy hostility in the group.
To describe the attitude, the word is often combined with verbs such as 'zeigen' (to show), 'spüren' (to sense/feel), or 'empfinden' (to feel). The preposition 'gegenüber' (+ dative) indicates who the hostility is directed toward.
Er zeigte ganz offen seine Feindseligkeit gegenüber dem neuen Chef.
He openly showed his hostility toward the new boss.
The plural 'die Feindseligkeiten' (hostilities) is mainly used in formal contexts such as news, politics, or history to describe military actions.
Beide Seiten wurden aufgefordert, die Feindseligkeiten sofort einzustellen.
Both sides were urged to cease hostilities immediately.
hatred
'der Hass' and 'die Feindseligkeit' both describe strong negative feelings toward someone or something. 'Hass' is usually more personal and stronger: you feel deep dislike and resentment. 'Feindseligkeit' means more of a hostile attitude or hostile behavior. It can become visible in words, looks, or in the atmosphere between people. When the focus is on the inner feeling, 'Hass' fits better. When you are describing a tense, aggressive mood or how people treat each other, 'Feindseligkeit' sounds more natural.
Im Gespräch war die Feindseligkeit zwischen den beiden Kollegen deutlich zu merken.
In the conversation, the hostility between the two colleagues was clearly noticeable.
Nach dem Streit spürte er keinen Hass, sondern nur große Enttäuschung.
After the argument, he felt no hatred, only great disappointment.