goodwill
das Wohlwollen
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goodwill
A friendly, positive, and supportive attitude or disposition toward a person, a cause, or a project. It expresses sympathy and the intention to want or promote something good.
Der Lehrer begegnete auch den schwächeren Schülern stets mit großem Wohlwollen.
The teacher always treated even the weaker students with great goodwill.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Wohlwollens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Wohlwollen | – |
| accusative | das Wohlwollen | – |
| dative | dem Wohlwollen | – |
| genitive | des Wohlwollens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'wohl' (well/good) and 'wollen' (to want). So it literally describes the will to do good for someone or something.
Er handelte stets im Wohlwollen seiner Mitarbeiter.
He always acted with goodwill toward his employees.
'Wohlwollen' (goodwill) belongs to elevated language and is used especially in formal or written contexts. It sounds polite and somewhat detached.
Wir danken Ihnen für Ihr Wohlwollen und Ihre Unterstützung.
We thank you for your goodwill and your support.
You can 'mit Wohlwollen begegnen' (meet/respond to someone or something with goodwill), 'sein Wohlwollen zeigen' (show one's goodwill), or 'das Wohlwollen' (the goodwill) of a person 'genießen' (enjoy) or 'verlieren' (lose).
Sie begegnete dem neuen Projekt mit großem Wohlwollen.
She responded to the new project with great goodwill.
favor
Both words refer to a positive attitude toward a person or a project. Gunst, however, tends to mean favorable treatment or preferential support, especially from an influential person. Wohlwollen is more general and emphasizes a friendly, supportive attitude without implying preferential treatment.
Das neue Projekt fand beim Bürgermeister viel Wohlwollen.
The new project met with a great deal of goodwill from the mayor.
Das neue Projekt gewann schnell die Gunst des Bürgermeisters.
The new project quickly won the mayor’s favor.
