arrogance
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arrogance
A quality or behavior in which a person considers themselves better, more important, or smarter than others and clearly shows it. It is a form of arrogance.
Seine Überheblichkeit und seine herablassende Art machten ihn bei seinen Kollegen sehr unbeliebt.
His arrogance and condescending manner made him very unpopular with his colleagues.
The word is derived from the verb 'sich überheben' (to overestimate oneself). Figuratively, it describes a person trying to 'heben' (lift) themselves 'über' (above) other people and thereby presenting themselves as something better.
Seine ständige Angeberei ist ein Zeichen von großer Überheblichkeit.
His constant showing off is a sign of great arrogance.
'Überheblichkeit' (arrogance) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'überheblich' (arrogant). In everyday language, the adjective is often used to describe a person directly.
Er ist so überheblich, dass er nie einen Fehler zugibt.
He is so arrogant that he never admits a mistake.
Common phrases include 'jemandem Überheblichkeit vorwerfen' (to accuse someone of arrogance), 'eine Spur von Überheblichkeit' (a hint of arrogance), or that a behavior 'an Überheblichkeit grenzt' (borders on arrogance).
Sein Lächeln hatte einen Anflug von Überheblichkeit.
His smile had a touch of arrogance.
self-confidence / self-awareness
'das Selbstbewusstsein' and 'die Überheblichkeit' can both mean that someone comes across as very self-assured. The important difference is the attitude toward other people. 'Selbstbewusstsein' is positive or neutral: someone knows their strengths and trusts themselves to do something. 'Überheblichkeit' is negative: someone thinks they are better or more important than others and shows it. The words can be confused when a person speaks very confidently. Then the tone often decides: if the person remains respectful, it is more likely self-confidence. If they put others down, it is arrogance.
Seine Überheblichkeit störte viele Kollegen, weil er nie auf andere Meinungen hörte.
His arrogance bothered many colleagues because he never listened to other opinions.
Mit mehr Übung bekam Lisa genug Selbstbewusstsein für das Gespräch mit dem Chef.
With more practice, Lisa gained enough self-confidence for the conversation with her boss.