obsession
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obsession
A compulsive idea or thought that constantly forces itself into someone's mind, that a person is obsessed with and cannot get rid of. It describes an extreme fixation on a person, an idea, or an activity.
Seine Sorge um Sauberkeit entwickelte sich langsam zu einer echten Obsession.
His concern with cleanliness slowly developed into a real obsession.
'Die Obsession' (obsession) is an international word that comes from Latin. The related adjective is 'obsessiv' (obsessive).
Sein Verhalten grenzt schon an obsessiven Kontrollzwang.
His behavior is already bordering on an obsessive need for control.
To express what the obsession relates to, you usually use the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative. Alternatively, the genitive can also be used.
Er hat eine Obsession für alte Uhren entwickelt.
He developed an obsession with old watches.
Common verbs used with 'Obsession' (obsession) are 'eine Obsession haben' (to have an obsession), 'eine Obsession entwickeln' (to develop an obsession), or 'zu einer Obsession werden' (to become an obsession).
Sein Hobby wurde langsam zu einer Obsession.
His hobby slowly became an obsession.
passion
'die Leidenschaft' and 'die Obsession' can both mean that someone is very strongly focused on something or someone. 'Leidenschaft' is usually positive or neutral: someone loves something very much or does it with great enthusiasm. 'Obsession' is much more extreme and rather negative. It means a fixation that someone can hardly shake off and that strongly dominates their thinking. The words can be confused because both are intense. The important difference is: Leidenschaft gives energy; an Obsession can make you feel unfree.
Seine ständige Angst vor Fehlern wurde mit der Zeit zu einer Obsession.
Over time, his constant fear of mistakes became an obsession.
Fotografie ist für Ali eine Leidenschaft, weil er dabei die Welt genauer sieht.
Photography is a passion for Ali because it helps him see the world more closely.