charity / love of neighbor
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charity
A selfless, active love and willingness to help other people, regardless of their relationship to oneself. It is a central concept in many religions and ethical systems.
Aus Nächstenliebe engagiert sie sich ehrenamtlich in der Obdachlosenhilfe.
Out of charity, she volunteers in homeless assistance.
'Nächstenliebe' (charity / love of neighbor) is made up of 'der Nächste' (one's fellow human being) and 'die Liebe' (love). So it literally means 'love for one's fellow human being.'
Die Organisation handelt aus dem Prinzip der Nächstenliebe.
The organization acts according to the principle of charity.
'Nächstenliebe' (charity) is very often used with the preposition 'aus' (out of) to indicate the reason for an action. The phrase is then 'aus Nächstenliebe handeln' (to act out of charity) or 'etwas aus Nächstenliebe tun' (to do something out of charity).
Er half dem Fremden aus reiner Nächstenliebe.
He helped the stranger out of pure charity.
The word has a strong connection to religious and ethical topics, especially in Christianity. It describes an important moral principle of selfless help.
In seiner Predigt sprach der Pfarrer über die Bedeutung der Nächstenliebe.
In his sermon, the priest spoke about the importance of charity.
humanity
Menschlichkeit and Nächstenliebe can both express kindness and help for other people. Menschlichkeit generally describes a compassionate attitude, whereas Nächstenliebe emphasizes selfless help as an ethical or religiously shaped command. „Menschlichkeit“ fits the general attitude, while „Nächstenliebe“ fits this command.
Aus Nächstenliebe half sie der fremden Frau, ihre schweren Taschen nach Hause zu tragen.
Out of charity, she helped the stranger carry her heavy bags home.
Seine Menschlichkeit zeigte sich darin, dass er der erschöpften Nachbarin sofort half.
His humanity showed in the way he immediately helped his exhausted neighbor.
