envy / ill will
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envy / ill will
The feeling of envy and dissatisfaction that another person has success, happiness, or possessions that one begrudges them.
Aus reiner Missgunst sprach sie schlecht über den Erfolg ihrer Kollegin.
Out of pure envy, she spoke badly about her colleague's success.
The word consists of the prefix 'miss-' and the noun 'die Gunst' (favor, goodwill). 'Missgunst' is therefore literally the opposite of goodwill—the feeling of begrudging someone their success or happiness.
Er spürte die Missgunst seiner Kollegen, nachdem er befördert wurde.
He sensed the envy of his colleagues after he was promoted.
'Missgunst' (envy / ill will) is often combined with verbs that describe a feeling. Typical phrases are 'Missgunst empfinden' (to feel envy), 'Missgunst hegen' (to harbor envy), 'Missgunst spüren' (to sense envy), or 'Missgunst zeigen' (to show envy).
Sie konnte ihre Missgunst gegenüber der Gewinnerin kaum verbergen.
She could barely hide her envy toward the winner.
To describe the motivation for an action, the preposition 'aus' (out of) is often used. The phrase 'aus (reiner) Missgunst' (out of pure envy) explains why someone acts negatively.
Er hat die Gerüchte nur aus reiner Missgunst verbreitet.
He spread the rumors only out of pure envy.
envy
Both Neid and Missgunst arise from another person's success, possessions, or happiness. Neid places more emphasis on one's own desire for that advantage, while Missgunst additionally shows that one begrudges the other person having it. If the main idea is wanting what someone else has, use “Neid”; if it is begrudging them that advantage, use “Missgunst”.
Aus Missgunst gönnte Paul seiner Kollegin den beruflichen Erfolg nicht.
Out of ill will, Paul begrudged his colleague her professional success.
Aus Neid wünschte sich Paul insgeheim denselben beruflichen Erfolg wie seine Kollegin.
Out of envy, Paul secretly wished he had the same professional success as his colleague.
