01
die Umarmung
hug
The action of putting your arms around someone to express affection, comfort, joy, or a greeting.
example
Zur Begrüßung gab sie ihm eine herzliche Umarmung.
As a greeting, she gave him a warm hug.
die Umarmung
hug
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Umarmung' (the hug) is the noun form of the verb 'umarmen' (to hug). The verb itself is made up of the prefix 'um-' and 'Arm' (arm) and literally means to put your arms around someone.
EXAMPLE
Er umarmte seine Mutter zum Abschied.
He hugged his mother goodbye.
Typical verbs
'Umarmung' (hug) is very often combined with the verb 'geben' (to give). The person receiving the hug is in the dative: 'jemandem eine Umarmung geben' (to give someone a hug).
EXAMPLE
Er gab seinem Freund zur Begrüßung eine feste Umarmung.
He gave his friend a firm hug as a greeting.
Typical adjectives
To describe a hug more specifically, adjectives such as 'herzlich' (warm), 'fest' (firm), 'lang' (long), 'kurz' (short), or 'brüderlich' (brotherly) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Reise gab es eine lange und herzliche Umarmung.
After the long journey, there was a long and warm hug.
Compare with
Umarmung vs Zärtlichkeit
tenderness
'die Umarmung' and 'die Zärtlichkeit' can both express loving closeness. However, 'Umarmung' refers to a specific action: you put your arms around someone. 'Zärtlichkeit' is more general. It can be a feeling or a gentle, loving action, for example a touch or also a hug. So every loving hug can be a form of 'Zärtlichkeit', but not every 'Zärtlichkeit' is a hug. If you specifically mean the action with the arms, 'Umarmung' is clearer.
Umarmung
Vor der Reise gibt Jan seiner Mutter eine lange Umarmung.
Before the trip, Jan gives his mother a long hug.
Zärtlichkeit
Nach dem Essen zeigt sie ihre Zärtlichkeit mit einer sanften Berührung.
After dinner, she shows her tenderness with a gentle touch.
In real life
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