01
die Intimität
intimacy
A state of great emotional closeness, familiarity, and connection between people.
example
Für eine tiefe Freundschaft sind Vertrauen und Intimität unerlässlich.
Trust and intimacy are essential for a deep friendship.
die Intimität
intimacy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Intimität' (intimacy) is an abstract noun derived from the adjective 'intim' (intimate). The ending '-ität' is often used with loanwords of Latin origin to indicate a state or quality.
EXAMPLE
Sie führen eine sehr intime Beziehung.
They have a very intimate relationship.
Context clue
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. If 'Intimität' (intimacy) refers to a relationship between people, it usually means emotional closeness. If it describes a place or situation, it is about a private, undisturbed atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Intimität ist ein wichtiger Teil ihrer langjährigen Freundschaft.
Intimacy is an important part of their long-standing friendship.
Typical collocations
When it is about emotional closeness, 'Intimität' (intimacy) is often combined with verbs such as 'schaffen' (to create), 'zulassen' (to allow), or 'herstellen' (to establish). It frequently appears together with words like 'Vertrauen' (trust), 'Nähe' (closeness), and 'Geborgenheit' (security).
EXAMPLE
Manche Menschen haben Angst davor, echte Intimität zuzulassen.
Some people are afraid of allowing real intimacy.
Use in the plural
When the plural form 'Intimitäten' (intimacies) is used, the word almost always refers to physical or sexual acts. A typical phrase is 'Intimitäten austauschen' (to exchange intimacies).
EXAMPLE
Das Paar wurde beobachtet, als es Intimitäten austauschte.
The couple was observed exchanging intimacies.
Compare with
Intimität vs Nähe
closeness / proximity
'die Nähe' and 'die Intimität' can both mean a close personal relationship. However, 'die Nähe' is much more general and neutral. It fits for family, friends, a team, or a trusting relationship. 'die Intimität' is stronger and more private. It means very great familiarity, a protected personal atmosphere, or also physical closeness. Learners may confuse the words because both sound emotional. In everyday language, 'Nähe' is often the safer choice. 'Intimität' only fits when it is really about something very personal or private.
Intimität
In einer guten Beziehung ist Intimität für viele Menschen wichtig.
In a good relationship, intimacy is important for many people.
Nähe
Im Team entsteht Nähe, wenn alle offen miteinander sprechen.
Closeness develops in a team when everyone speaks openly with one another.
In real life
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