openness
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openness
The quality of being honest and direct and not hiding one's thoughts and feelings. It describes a sincere and communicative attitude toward others.
Ich schätze seine Offenheit, auch wenn die Wahrheit manchmal unangenehm ist.
I appreciate his openness, even if the truth is sometimes unpleasant.
'Die Offenheit' (openness) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'offen' (open). The ending '-heit' is often used to form abstract feminine nouns from adjectives that describe a quality or state.
Er ist ein sehr offener Mensch, und ich schätze seine Offenheit.
He is a very open person, and I appreciate his openness.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Offenheit' (openness) from context. If it is about communication between people, it means honesty. In connection with ideas or cultures, it means open-mindedness. In architecture or landscapes, it refers to spatial openness.
Ihre Offenheit in dem Gespräch hat mich beeindruckt.
Her openness in the conversation impressed me.
When it is about honesty, 'Offenheit' (openness) is often combined with verbs such as 'zeigen' (to show), 'schätzen' (to appreciate), or 'fordern' (to demand). You can also 'mit Offenheit begegnen' (meet someone/something with openness).
In einer guten Freundschaft sollte man Offenheit zeigen können.
In a good friendship, you should be able to show openness.
When 'Offenheit' (openness) describes willingness toward something new, it is often used with the prepositions 'für' (for, accusative) or 'gegenüber' (toward, dative).
Sie hat eine große Offenheit für andere Meinungen.
She has great openness to other opinions.
honesty
'die Offenheit' and 'die Ehrlichkeit' both have to do with sincere behavior. 'Ehrlichkeit' mainly means that someone tells the truth and does not lie or cheat. 'Offenheit' means more that someone speaks directly and does not hide thoughts or feelings. You can be honest but still not openly share everything. The words can be confused because open people often also seem honest. When it is about truth and fairness, 'Ehrlichkeit' fits better; when it is about speaking directly and trust in a conversation, 'Offenheit' fits better.
Im Team hilft die Offenheit, weil Probleme schneller angesprochen werden.
In a team, openness helps because problems are brought up more quickly.
Vor dem Termin erwartet die Ärztin Ehrlichkeit über alle Beschwerden.
Before the appointment, the doctor expects honesty about all symptoms.