affection
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affection
A warm, positive feeling of sympathy and fondness for a person. It is a form of emotional attachment that is less intense than love.
Sie empfindet eine tiefe Zuneigung für ihre Großmutter.
She feels deep affection for her grandmother.
'Zuneigung' (affection) is derived from the verb 'sich jemandem zuneigen', which means 'to lean toward someone.' The prefix 'zu-' expresses direction, and 'Neigung' means a tendency or inclination. So it is an emotional leaning toward a person.
Ihre Zuneigung zu ihm war für alle offensichtlich.
Her affection for him was obvious to everyone.
The feeling of 'Zuneigung' (affection) is always directed toward a person or living being. For this, the prepositions 'zu' (with dative) or 'für' (with accusative) are used.
Er spürte eine große Zuneigung für das kleine Kätzchen.
He felt great affection for the little kitten.
Common verbs used with 'Zuneigung' (affection) are 'empfinden' (to feel), 'fühlen' (to feel), 'haben' (to have), or 'zeigen' (to show). The feeling itself is often described with adjectives like 'tief' (deep), 'groß' (great), or 'herzlich' (warm / heartfelt).
Er hat Schwierigkeiten, seine Zuneigung offen zu zeigen.
He has difficulty openly showing his affection.
love
'die Liebe' and 'die Zuneigung' both describe a warm, positive feeling for a person. 'Liebe' is stronger, deeper, and often very personal. 'Zuneigung' is gentler and less intense. It can also fit relationships that are not romantic, for example with a neighbor, a child, or an animal. When you are talking about very strong feelings, 'Liebe' is more natural. When you want to say that you like someone and feel warmly connected to them, 'Zuneigung' fits well.
Mit der Zeit ist zwischen dem Kind und der Nachbarin echte Zuneigung entstanden.
Over time, real affection developed between the child and the neighbor.
Aus Liebe zu ihrer Familie ist meine Schwester zurück in die Stadt gezogen.
Out of love for her family, my sister moved back to the city.