die  Eitelkeit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪ̯tl̩kaɪ̯t/

🧐 What does "die Eitelkeit" mean?

Die Eitelkeit (noun, feminine) describes an excessive preoccupation with one's own physical appearance, achievements, or reputation, as well as an exaggerated desire for admiration from others. It often involves superficial smugness and a craving for attention (*Gefallsucht*).

In essence, *Eitelkeit* means:

• Vanity/Conceit: Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.
• Smugness (*Selbstgefälligkeit*): An excessive satisfaction with oneself, one's abilities, or possessions, often perceived as conceit (*Einbildung*).
• Superficiality (*Oberflächlichkeit*): A focus on externals and one's own status, rather than on deeper values or substance.

🚨 Important: The word exclusively uses the article "die" and is mostly used in the singular, as it describes an abstract quality.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of Eitelkeit in Detail

The noun "Eitelkeit" is feminine. It is normally only used in the singular because it's an abstract noun (a quality). A plural form ("die Eitelkeiten") is grammatically possible but very rare, typically referring to specific vain actions or remarks.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare!

✨ Example Sentences

1. Seine Eitelkeit kennt keine Grenzen; er schaut ständig in den Spiegel.
   His vanity knows no bounds; he constantly looks in the mirror.
2. Manchmal ist ein wenig Eitelkeit ja ganz gesund für das Selbstbewusstsein.
   Sometimes a little vanity is quite healthy for self-confidence.
3. Sie ließ sich aus reiner Eitelkeit die Nase operieren.
   She had her nose operated on out of pure vanity.
4. Wir sollten uns nicht von solchen oberflächlichen Eitelkeiten (selten!) leiten lassen.
   We shouldn't let ourselves be guided by such superficial vanities (rare!).

💬 How is "Eitelkeit" used?

"Eitelkeit" is used to describe a character trait related to excessive concern about one's appearance or effect on others. It usually carries a negative connotation.

• Context: Describing personality, criticizing superficial behavior, philosophical or psychological discussions about human flaws.
• Typical Phrases: "aus Eitelkeit handeln" (to act out of vanity), "seine Eitelkeit verletzen" (to hurt someone's vanity), "von Eitelkeit getrieben sein" (to be driven by vanity), "eine verletzte Eitelkeit haben" (to have wounded vanity).
• Distinction from related words:
  • Stolz (der Stolz): *Pride*. Can be positive (justified pride in an achievement) or negative (arrogance, *Hochmut*). *Eitelkeit* is mostly negative and more focused on externals.
  • Selbstwertgefühl (das Selbstwertgefühl): *Self-esteem*. Refers to the fundamental positive assessment of oneself, independent of external validation. *Eitelkeit* often seeks this validation from others.
  • Narzissmus (der Narzissmus): *Narcissism*. A more profound personality disorder that goes beyond mere vanity and is often associated with a lack of empathy.

🧠 Mnemonics for Eitelkeit

For the article 'die': Think of someone *dying* from vanity – "Oh, I'm so beautiful, I could just die!" Connects *die* (the article) with the excessive nature of *Eitelkeit*.

For the meaning 'Vanity': The sound "Eitel" might remind you of "idle". Vanity can be seen as an *idle*, unproductive preoccupation. Or think "Eye-tell" – someone vain is always telling everyone how good they look (using their *eyes* in the mirror).

↔️ Opposites and Similar Terms

⚠️ Similar, but distinct words:

• Stolz (der): *Pride*. Can be justified, often relates to achievements or belonging.
• Selbstbewusstsein (das): *Self-confidence*. Awareness of one's own worth and abilities (generally positive).

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der eitle Mann seine Frau: "Schatz, was liebst du mehr an mir? Meinen unwiderstehlichen Charme oder mein blendendes Aussehen?" Sie antwortet: "Deinen Sinn für Humor."

EN: The vain man asks his wife: "Honey, what do you love more about me? My irresistible charm or my stunning looks?" She replies: "Your sense of humor."

✍️ Vanity in Verse

DE:
Im Spiegel wohnt die Eitelkeit,
Verliebt in Glanz und Äußeres Kleid.
Sie pudert, kämmt, ist stets bereit,
Vergisst dabei oft Zeit und Leid.

Doch wahre Schönheit, tief und rein,
Kann nicht nur Oberfläche sein.
Die Eitelkeit, so hohl und klein,
Bleibt oft am Ende ganz allein.

EN Translation:
In the mirror lives vanity,
In love with glamour and external dress.
She powders, combs, is always ready,
Often forgetting time and distress.

But true beauty, deep and pure,
Cannot be just the surface sure.
Vanity, so hollow and small,
Often remains alone after all.

🕵️‍♀️ Who or What am I?

DE:
Ich liebe den Spiegel über alles,
Bewunderung ist meines Schalles.
Ich schmücke mich für fremden Blick,
Doch inn're Werte sind mein Unglück.
Ich habe nur den Artikel "die",
Was bin ich wohl, sag's mir, oh wie?

EN:
I love the mirror above all else,
Admiration is the sound I compel.
I adorn myself for others' gaze,
But inner worth is my unhappy phase.
I only have the article "die",
What am I then, oh tell me why?

Solution: die Eitelkeit (vanity)

💡 Other Information

• Adjective: The corresponding adjective is "eitel". Example: "Er ist ein sehr eitler Mensch." (He is a very vain person.)
• Etymology: The word comes from Middle High German "îtelkeit", which originally meant "emptiness", "futility", "transience". The modern meaning of "vanity, conceit" developed later, possibly influenced by the biblical concept of the "vanity" (transience) of worldly things.
• Cultural Aspects: *Eitelkeit* is considered a vice or sin in many cultures and religions (e.g., one of the seven deadly sins in Christianity, often associated with pride). It is a common theme in literature and art.