arrogance
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arrogance
An exaggerated view of oneself that is expressed in arrogant or condescending behavior toward others. 'Hochmut' (arrogance) is seen as a negative character trait and describes the feeling of being better than others.
Sein Hochmut hinderte ihn daran, um Hilfe zu bitten.
His arrogance prevented him from asking for help.
The word is made up of 'hoch' (high) and 'Mut' (courage/spirit). Here, however, 'Mut' does not mean 'Tapferkeit' (bravery), but rather 'Gesinnung' (mindset) or 'Geist' (spirit). So 'Hochmut' (arrogance) literally describes a 'high mindset' in the negative sense of arrogance or conceit.
Sein Hochmut war für alle im Raum spürbar.
His arrogance was noticeable to everyone in the room.
The noun 'der Hochmut' (arrogance) is closely related to the adjective 'hochmütig' (arrogant). If a person has 'Hochmut' (arrogance), then they are 'hochmütig' (arrogant).
Er gab eine sehr hochmütige Antwort auf die einfache Frage.
He gave a very arrogant answer to the simple question.
'Hochmut' (arrogance) is a rather elevated and formal word. You find it more often in literature or sophisticated texts than in everyday colloquial speech.
In der Tragödie wird der Hochmut des Helden bestraft.
In the tragedy, the hero's arrogance is punished.
The expression 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall' (pride comes before a fall) is often used as a complete sentence to comment on a situation. It is used to warn that overconfidence often leads to failure.
Er prahlte mit seinem sicheren Sieg und verlor dann. Tja, Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.
He bragged about his certain victory and then lost. Well, pride comes before a fall.
superiority
'die Überlegenheit' and 'der Hochmut' can both have to do with the feeling of being better than others. With 'Überlegenheit', this can also mean being genuinely better; in this relation, however, it is about the condescending attitude. 'Hochmut' describes a negative character trait: someone overestimates themselves and treats others from above. 'Hochmut' often sounds more strongly morally judgmental than 'Überlegenheit'. If you want to criticize the behavior, 'Hochmut' is usually clearer.
Sein Hochmut macht es schwer, ehrlich mit ihm zu sprechen.
His arrogance makes it hard to speak honestly with him.
Der Gast zeigte seine Überlegenheit, indem er jeden Vorschlag sofort belächelte.
The guest showed his superiority by immediately mocking every suggestion.