das  Wohlwollen

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvoːlvɔlən/

💖 What does "das Wohlwollen" mean?

Das Wohlwollen describes an inner attitude or disposition characterized by friendliness, kindness, and the wish for others to do well. It's a benevolent stance towards people, groups, or even projects. It often implies passive support or at least an absence of ill will (*Missgunst*).

The word is composed of "wohl" (well) and "wollen" (to want/wish) – literally wishing someone well.

It is an abstract noun and therefore uses the neuter article "das".

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Wohlwollen" in Detail

Das Wohlwollen is a neuter noun. It is mostly used only in the singular form, as it describes an abstract attitude. A plural form is very uncommon and generally not used.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Sein Wohlwollen war in seinen Augen zu erkennen.
   (His goodwill could be seen in his eyes.)
2. Wir hoffen auf das Wohlwollen der Jury.
   (We hope for the goodwill of the jury.)
3. Mit großem Wohlwollen betrachtete sie das Engagement der jungen Leute.
   (With great benevolence, she observed the commitment of the young people.)
4. Dem Projekt wurde viel Wohlwollen entgegengebracht.
   (The project was met with much goodwill.)

💡 How to use "das Wohlwollen"?

Das Wohlwollen is often used in contexts describing a positive, supportive, but not necessarily actively intervening attitude. It is somewhat more formal than simple *Freundlichkeit* (friendliness).

• Typical Contexts: Evaluations, interpersonal relationships (especially with hierarchies or dependencies), judging intentions, formal letters.
• Common Phrases: "jemandem Wohlwollen entgegenbringen" (to show goodwill towards someone), "auf Wohlwollen hoffen/stoßen" (to hope for/encounter goodwill), "mit Wohlwollen betrachten" (to view with benevolence).
• Distinction from similar words:
  • Güte (kindness): Emphasizes more the quality of the heart and active friendliness.
  • Freundlichkeit (friendliness): Is more general and can also be more superficial.
  • Gunst (favor): Often refers to a preferential attitude from someone in a higher position.
  • Sympathie (sympathy): Expresses more of a personal liking or empathy.

Wohlwollen expresses a fundamentally positive attitude without necessarily implying a close personal relationship.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Wohlwollen"

For the article 'das': Remember that *Wohlwollen* is an abstract feeling or attitude, similar to das Gefühl (the feeling), das Vertrauen (the trust), das Glück (the happiness/luck). Many abstract nouns in German are neuter ('das'). Think of it as *the abstract concept* of goodwill.

For the meaning: Break down the word: wohl (well) + wollen (to want/wish). To "wohl wollen" someone means to wish them well – hence, goodwill or benevolence.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Wohlfahrt (die): Welfare, social services.
• Wohlstand (der): Prosperity, wealth.
• Wohlgefühl (das): Feeling of well-being, comfort.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Pessimist kein Wohlwollen?
Weil er immer nur das Schlechte will!

(Why does the pessimist have no goodwill?
Because he always only wants the bad!)

📜 Poem about Wohlwollen

Ein Blick, ein Wort, so sanft und mild,
Das Wohlwollen, ein stilles Schild.
Es braucht nicht viel, nur Herzlichkeit,
Vertreibt die Dunkelheit der Zeit.
Ein Funke nur, der Gutes sät,
Bevor der Missgunst Wind verweht.

(A glance, a word, so soft and mild,
Goodwill, a silent shield.
It doesn't need much, just warmth of heart,
Dispels the darkness of the time.
Just a spark that sows the good,
Before the wind of envy blows.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Geschenk, doch wertvoll und fein.
Ich koste nichts, doch bring Gutes herein.
Ich wohne im Herzen, zeig mich im Blick,
Bin das Gegenteil von bösem Geschick.

Was bin ich?

(I am no gift, yet precious and fine.
I cost nothing, yet bring good things inside.
I live in the heart, show myself in the gaze,
Am the opposite of ill-fated days.

What am I?) (Answer: das Wohlwollen / goodwill)

🧩 More Insights: Word Composition

The composition of das Wohlwollen is quite transparent:

• wohl: An adverb/adjective meaning "well", "pleasant", or "healthy". It expresses a positive quality.
• wollen: The verb "wollen" here means not just a strong desire, but also an intention or a directed disposition (to want/wish something good for someone).

Together, they form the meaning of a "well-wishing" or "well-meaning" attitude. It's a classic example in German of nominalizing a verbal expression ("wohl wollen" - to wish well).