gift
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gift
Something that you give someone out of friendship, appreciation, or for a special occasion without expecting payment in return.
Zu meinem Geburtstag habe ich ein schönes Buch als Geschenk bekommen.
For my birthday, I received a beautiful book as a gift.
The noun 'Geschenk' (gift) is derived directly from the verb 'schenken' (to give as a gift). The prefix 'Ge-' is often used to form nouns from verbs that describe the result of the action.
Er liebt es, seiner Freundin Blumen zu schenken.
He loves giving his girlfriend flowers.
In German, you often 'make' a gift: 'ein Geschenk machen' (to give a gift). Other common verbs are 'ein Geschenk bekommen' (to receive a gift), 'ein Geschenk auspacken' (to unwrap a gift), or 'Geschenke verteilen' (to hand out gifts).
Was für ein schönes Geschenk du mir gemacht hast!
What a beautiful gift you gave me!
Besides a material object, 'Geschenk' (gift) can also describe a special ability or a fortunate circumstance. In this case, it is used in a figurative, metaphorical sense.
Dass wir alle gesund sind, ist das größte Geschenk.
The fact that we are all healthy is the greatest gift.
attention
'die Aufmerksamkeit' and 'das Geschenk' can both be something you give another person to be kind or to show appreciation. The difference lies in the size and the focus. An 'Aufmerksamkeit' is usually small and symbolic, for example flowers, chocolate, or a nice card. 'Geschenk' is more general and can be small, large, expensive, or very personal. Learners may confuse the words because an Aufmerksamkeit is often also a small gift. If you want to emphasize the friendly gesture, 'Aufmerksamkeit' fits better; for a concrete object given for a birthday, visit, or celebration, 'Geschenk' is more natural.
Die Familie kauft am Bahnhof noch ein Geschenk für die Oma.
At the station, the family buys another gift for Grandma.
Als kleine Aufmerksamkeit bringt Mehmet seiner Kollegin Kaffee mit.
As a small gesture, Mehmet brings his colleague coffee.