A worldview or attitude to life that emphasizes the freedom, rights, and independence of the individual person and places them above those of the community.
example
In westlichen Gesellschaften wird der Individualismus oft hochgehalten.
In Western societies, individualism is often highly valued.
Usage tips
Word structure
The ending '-ismus' (-ism) often indicates a worldview, doctrine, or attitude. 'Individualismus' (individualism) is derived from the word 'Individuum' (individual person) and describes an attitude that places the individual at the center.
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitalismus und der Individualismus sind oft eng miteinander verbunden.
Capitalism and individualism are often closely connected.
Context clue
The meaning of 'Individualismus' (individualism) depends strongly on the context. In philosophical or social discussions, it is often a neutral term. In descriptions of teamwork or social behavior, it often has a negative meaning, similar to selfishness.
EXAMPLE
In der Philosophie ist der Individualismus ein wichtiges Konzept.
In philosophy, individualism is an important concept.
Typical collocations
In a neutral or positive sense, 'Individualismus' (individualism) is often combined with adjectives such as 'liberal' or 'western'. Typical verbs are 'betonen' (to emphasize) or 'fördern' (to promote).
EXAMPLE
Die Aufklärung hat den modernen Individualismus stark gefördert.
The Enlightenment strongly promoted modern individualism.
Negative collocations
When the word is meant negatively, it is often intensified with adjectives such as 'übertrieben' (exaggerated), 'radikal' (radical), or 'extrem' (extreme). It then often stands in contrast to terms such as 'Teamgeist' (team spirit) or 'Gemeinschaft' (community).
EXAMPLE
Ihr extremer Individualismus schadet dem gesamten Team.
Her extreme individualism harms the entire team.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Individualismus vs Liberalismus
liberalism
'der Liberalismus' and 'der Individualismus' both emphasize the importance of the individual person. That is why they can easily be confused. 'Liberalismus' is mainly a political and philosophical movement: it is about freedom, rights, and a limited state. 'Individualismus' can be a worldview or an attitude to life in which one's own wishes, rights, and goals are central. It can also be meant critically when someone pays too little attention to the community. 'Liberalismus' fits better in political contexts, while 'Individualismus' fits better when talking about the attitude or behavior of individual people.
Individualismus
Zu viel Individualismus kann in einer Wohngemeinschaft schnell zu Streit führen.
Too much individualism can quickly lead to arguments in a shared apartment.
Liberalismus
Der Liberalismus spielt in vielen Debatten über Bürgerrechte eine wichtige Rolle.
Liberalism plays an important role in many debates about civil rights.