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 Selbstwertgefühl
self-esteem
Selbstwertgefühl describes how a person subjectively feels about and evaluates their own worth. Selbstachtung, by contrast, emphasizes respect for one’s own dignity. When the focus is on an inner feeling and satisfaction with oneself, Selbstwertgefühl is more appropriate; when it is about fundamental respect for oneself, Selbstachtung is the better choice.
Selbstachtung
Trotz der Kritik bewahrte er seine Selbstachtung und ließ sich nicht beleidigen.
Despite the criticism, he maintained his self-respect and did not let anyone insult him.
Selbstwertgefühl
Nach dem erfolgreichen Vortrag war ihr Selbstwertgefühl deutlich stärker.
After giving a successful presentation, her self-esteem was noticeably stronger.
In real life
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