01
die Selbstachtung
self-respect
The respect and appreciation that a person has for themselves and their own dignity.
example
Trotz der Niederlage verlor er nicht seine Selbstachtung.
Despite the defeat, he did not lose his self-respect.
die Selbstachtung
self-respect
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a clear compound of 'Selbst-' (self-) and 'Achtung' (respect). Here, 'Achtung' means 'respect.' So 'Selbstachtung' is literally the respect one has for oneself.
EXAMPLE
Es ist wichtig, seine Selbstachtung nicht von der Meinung anderer abhängig zu machen.
It is important not to make your self-respect depend on other people's opinions.
Typical collocations
'Selbstachtung' (self-respect) is often combined with certain verbs. You can 'haben' (have), 'verlieren' (lose), or 'bewahren' (preserve/keep) self-respect.
EXAMPLE
Auch nach der Kritik hat er seine Selbstachtung bewahrt.
Even after the criticism, he preserved his self-respect.
Productive prefix 'Selbst-'
The prefix 'Selbst-' (self-) is very productive in German and always means 'relating to oneself.' If you recognize this prefix, you can understand many words, e.g. 'das Selbstvertrauen' (self-confidence) or 'die Selbstkritik' (self-criticism).
EXAMPLE
Für diesen Job braucht man viel Selbstvertrauen.
You need a lot of self-confidence for this job.
Compare with
Selbstachtung vs Selbstbewusstsein
self-confidence / self-awareness
'Selbstbewusstsein' and 'Selbstachtung' both describe a positive relationship with oneself. 'Selbstbewusstsein' mainly means that you trust your abilities and appear confident. 'Selbstachtung' means that you respect yourself and take your own dignity seriously. A person can seem self-confident but still have little self-respect if they allow themselves to be treated badly. The words can be confused because both have to do with one's own worth. Put simply: 'Selbstbewusstsein' often shows outwardly, while 'Selbstachtung' is more about inner respect for oneself.
Selbstachtung
Sie sagt klar Nein, weil ihr ihre Selbstachtung wichtig ist.
She clearly says no because her self-respect is important to her.
Selbstbewusstsein
In der Besprechung hat der junge Verkäufer viel Selbstbewusstsein gezeigt.
In the meeting, the young salesperson showed a lot of self-confidence.
In real life
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