Umgang mit
handling of
The way in which one deals with, treats, or handles someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Der sichere Umgang mit Chemikalien ist im Labor oberstes Gebot.
Safe handling of chemicals is the top priority in the laboratory.
der Umgang
handling / interaction
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Meanings
der Umgang
interaction
Social contact or a relationship with other people.
EXAMPLE
Er ist im Umgang sehr freundlich und offen.
He is very friendly and open in his interactions.
der Umgang
walkway / gallery
A covered passageway that runs along the outside of a building, especially a church tower.
EXAMPLE
Vom Umgang des alten Leuchtturms hatte man einen weiten Blick über das Meer.
From the gallery of the old lighthouse, you had a wide view over the sea.
Usage tips
From verb to noun
'Der Umgang' (handling/interaction) is the noun for the separable verb 'umgehen' (to deal with/handle). The meaning of the noun corresponds directly to that of the verb: 'mit etwas umgehen' (to handle something) becomes 'der Umgang mit etwas' (the handling of something).
EXAMPLE
Man muss lernen, mit Stress umzugehen.
You have to learn to deal with stress.
Fixed preposition 'mit'
In the most common meanings, 'Umgang' is almost always used with the preposition 'mit' + dative. This combination describes how one handles something or with whom one has contact.
EXAMPLE
Der Umgang mit den neuen Kollegen fällt ihm leicht.
Interacting with the new colleagues comes easily to him.
Context clue
You can tell whether the handling of a thing or social contact with a person is meant from the word after the preposition 'mit'. 'Der Umgang mit dem Computer' (handling/use of the computer; thing) vs. 'Der Umgang mit den Kollegen' (interaction with colleagues; people).
EXAMPLE
Der tägliche Umgang mit Kunden erfordert viel Geduld.
Daily interaction with customers requires a lot of patience.
Social behavior
The expression 'im Umgang' describes a person's social behavior. You can say someone is 'freundlich im Umgang' (friendly to deal with) or 'schwierig im Umgang' (difficult to deal with).
EXAMPLE
Mein neuer Chef ist im Umgang sehr unkompliziert und direkt.
My new boss is very straightforward and direct to deal with.
Register: technical language
The meaning 'überdachter Gang' (covered passageway) is a technical term from architecture. It is used only very rarely in everyday language and is usually limited to descriptions of historic buildings such as churches or towers.
EXAMPLE
Vom Umgang des Kirchturms hat man eine wunderbare Aussicht auf die Stadt.
From the gallery of the church tower, you have a wonderful view of the city.
Compare with
Umgang vs Kontakt
contact
Kontakt can refer to a single connection between people or one that has just been established. Umgang refers more to ongoing personal interaction. Kontakt is therefore more appropriate for a first conversation; when people regularly spend time together, Umgang is more appropriate.
Umgang
Nach vielen gemeinsamen Abenden pflegte Jonas einen freundschaftlichen Umgang mit den neuen Nachbarn.
After many evenings together, Jonas maintained friendly relations with the new neighbors.
Kontakt
Beim ersten Treffen nahm Jonas Kontakt zu den neuen Nachbarn auf.
At their first meeting, Jonas made contact with the new neighbors.
In real life
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