01
die Gier
greed
An excessive, insatiable desire for something, especially possessions, power, or money. Greed is regarded as a very negative trait.
example
Seine Gier nach Reichtum kannte keine Grenzen.
His greed for wealth knew no bounds.
die Gier
greed
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Gier' (greed) belongs to the adjective 'gierig' (greedy). If a person is 'gierig' (greedy), then they have 'Gier' (greed).
EXAMPLE
Er ist so gierig, seine Gier kennt keine Grenzen.
He is so greedy; his greed knows no bounds.
Correct preposition
The desire expressed by 'Gier' (greed) is always expressed with the preposition 'nach' (for/after) and the dative. One has 'Gier nach etwas' (greed for something).
EXAMPLE
Die Gier nach immer mehr Geld machte ihn einsam.
The greed for more and more money made him lonely.
Typical collocations
In the negative meaning, 'Gier' (greed) is often connected with material things or power. Typical phrases are 'die Gier nach Geld' (greed for money), 'die Gier nach Macht' (greed for power), or 'die Gier nach Besitz' (greed for possessions).
EXAMPLE
In dem Film geht es um die Gier nach Macht und deren Konsequenzen.
The film is about the greed for power and its consequences.
Context clue
When 'Gier' (hunger/thirst) is connected with something abstract or positive such as 'Wissen' (knowledge), 'Leben' (life), or 'Erkenntnis' (insight/understanding), the meaning is less negative and describes a very strong drive.
EXAMPLE
Mit einer fast kindlichen Gier nach Wissen las sie jedes Buch in der Bibliothek.
With an almost childlike thirst for knowledge, she read every book in the library.
Compare with
Gier vs Hunger
hunger
'der Hunger' and 'die Gier' can both mean a very strong desire. 'Hunger' does not always sound negative in this sense. For example, you can have a hunger for knowledge or success. 'Gier' is stronger and often negative, especially when someone wants more and more money, power, or possessions. 'Gier' can also describe an almost uncontrollable desire for something immaterial. When you are speaking neutrally or even positively about a strong goal, 'Hunger' often fits. When the desire seems excessive, ruthless, or unhealthy, 'Gier' fits better.
Gier
Die Gier nach Geld machte den Geschäftsmann blind für die Folgen.
Greed for money made the businessman blind to the consequences.
Hunger
Ihre Reise hat den Hunger nach neuen Erfahrungen geweckt.
Her trip awakened a hunger for new experiences.
In real life
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