reciprocity
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reciprocity
A state or relationship in which two people or parties treat, feel toward, or commit to each other in the same way. It describes a mutual give-and-take.
Ihre Freundschaft beruht auf Gegenseitigkeit und tiefem Vertrauen.
Their friendship is based on reciprocity and deep trust.
The word is derived from the adjective 'gegenseitig' (mutual). This in turn combines 'gegen' (against / opposite) and 'Seite' (side). The ending '-keit' turns it into a noun that describes a state.
Gegenseitiger Respekt ist die Basis für jede gute Beziehung.
Mutual respect is the basis for every good relationship.
A very common and important expression is 'auf Gegenseitigkeit beruhen' (to be based on reciprocity). It expresses that a feeling or relationship is shared by both sides.
Eine gute Partnerschaft muss auf Gegenseitigkeit beruhen.
A good partnership must be based on reciprocity.
In personal contexts, 'Gegenseitigkeit' (reciprocity) often expresses the hope or observation that feelings such as love or friendship are returned.
Er hofft, dass seine Gefühle für sie auf Gegenseitigkeit beruhen.
He hopes that his feelings for her are mutual.
In this meaning, you will almost always find the word in formal, political, or legal texts. Watch for signal words like 'Prinzip' (principle), 'Abkommen' (agreement), 'Vertrag' (treaty/contract), or 'Staat' (state).
Die beiden Länder unterzeichneten ein Abkommen auf der Basis der Gegenseitigkeit.
The two countries signed an agreement on the basis of reciprocity.
reciprocation
'Gegenleistung' and 'Gegenseitigkeit' both have to do with giving and giving back. However, a 'Gegenleistung' is something concrete that someone gives in return for something else, for example money, help, or work. 'Gegenseitigkeit' is more about a relationship or a principle: both sides act in a similar way for each other or treat each other equally. The words can be confused because both express a mutual relationship. In practical terms: with 'Gegenleistung', the question is: What does someone get back for it? With 'Gegenseitigkeit', the question is: Does this apply to both sides?
Eine gute Freundschaft lebt von Vertrauen und Gegenseitigkeit.
A good friendship thrives on trust and reciprocity.
Für seine Hilfe beim Umzug bekam Tom als Gegenleistung ein Abendessen.
For helping with the move, Tom received dinner in return.