die  Nächstenliebe

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnɛçstn̩ˌliːbə/

💖 What does Nächstenliebe Mean?

Die Nächstenliebe is a feminine noun that means charity, altruism, or love for one's neighbor. It describes a selfless, helpful, and caring love towards fellow human beings.

It's a central concept in many religions (especially Christianity) and ethical systems. It's about doing good for others without expecting anything in return.

• Gender: Feminine
• Article: die
• Note: The word is almost exclusively used in the singular form because it describes an abstract concept. A plural form ("die Nächstenlieben") is grammatically possible but very uncommon. ⚠️

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar Corner: Declining 'die Nächstenliebe'

Die Nächstenliebe is a feminine noun. It is generally only used in the singular.

Singular Declension

Example Sentences

1. Im Christentum ist die Nächstenliebe ein zentrales Gebot.
   (In Christianity, charity/love for one's neighbor is a central commandment.)
2. Er handelte aus reiner Nächstenliebe, als er dem Obdachlosen half.
   (He acted out of pure charity/altruism when he helped the homeless person.)
3. Sie zeigte durch ihre Taten wahre Nächstenliebe.
   (She showed true charity/love for her neighbor through her actions.)
4. Der Wert der Nächstenliebe wird in unserer Gesellschaft oft unterschätzt.
   (The value of charity/altruism is often underestimated in our society.)

Everyday Use: When to talk about Nächstenliebe?

Die Nächstenliebe is used to describe selfless actions and a fundamental attitude of goodwill towards other people.

• Context: Often found in religious, ethical, or philosophical discussions, but also used in everyday life to describe good deeds.
• Usage: Describes both the inner attitude and the resulting actions.
• Distinction from similar terms:
  • Mitgefühl (compassion): Is feeling with another person, whereas Nächstenliebe often implies active help.
  • Hilfsbereitschaft (helpfulness): Refers to the readiness to help; Nächstenliebe is often broader and includes an emotional component of love/care.
  • Altruismus (altruism): A philosophical/psychological term for selflessness, very similar to Nächstenliebe, but Nächstenliebe often carries a stronger religious/spiritual connotation.

Germans sometimes speak of "tätige Nächstenliebe" (active charity) to refer to concrete acts of help.

Handy Mnemonics for Article & Meaning 🤔

For the article 'die': Think of 'die Liebe' (the love) – Nächstenliebe ends in '-liebe', and 'Liebe' is feminine ('die Liebe'). The 'ie' sound often corresponds to feminine nouns in German (like 'die Familie', 'die Energie').

For the meaning: Imagine you should love (lieben) your neighbor (der Nächste) as yourself. That's the core idea of Nächstenliebe – neighbor-love.

Word Field: Synonyms & Antonyms 🔄

⚠️ Be aware: Words like Mitleid (pity) can sometimes be perceived as condescending, whereas Nächstenliebe is generally positive.

A Little Chuckle 😄

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist ein schönes Beispiel für Nächstenliebe?" Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Wenn Papa dem Nachbarn beim Rasenmähen hilft, obwohl er es selbst hasst!"

English Translation: The teacher asks: "What's a good example of Nächstenliebe (charity)?" Little Fritz raises his hand: "When Dad helps the neighbor mow the lawn, even though he hates doing it himself!"

Poetic Words on Nächstenliebe 📜

German:
Nicht nur an sich selbst gedacht,
Ein Lächeln, das den Tag erhellt,
Eine Hand, die Hilfe gebracht,
Das ist Nächstenliebe in der Welt.

Ein offnes Ohr, ein gutes Wort,
Vertreibt so manche dunkle Nacht.
An jedem Ort, zu jeder Zeit,
Ist Nächstenliebe eine Macht.

English Translation:
Not only thinking of oneself,
A smile that brightens up the day,
A hand that brought some help,
That is Nächstenliebe in the world's way.

An open ear, a kindly word,
Drives many a dark night away.
In every place, at any time,
Nächstenliebe holds true sway (is a power).

Who am I? A Little Riddle 🤔

German:
Ich bin kein Gefühl, das man kaufen kann,
Ich zeige mich oft im Tun, nicht nur im Plan.
Ich frage nicht nach Lohn oder Dank,
Ich helfe dem Schwachen und dem Krank'.
Man findet mich im Herzen rein,
Was könnte ich wohl sein?

English Translation:
I am not a feeling one can buy,
I often show myself in deeds, not just a plan held high.
I do not ask for reward or thanks,
I help the weak and the sick among the ranks.
One finds me in a heart so pure,
What could I be, are you sure?

Answer: Die Nächstenliebe (Charity / Love for one's neighbor)

Trivia and Word Origin 🧐

Word Composition

The word Nächstenliebe is composed of:

• der Nächste: Originally meaning the person physically closest, today used figuratively to mean one's fellow human being, especially someone in need of help (neighbor).
• die Liebe: The familiar feeling of affection (love), but here used in the sense of a benevolent, caring attitude.

Origin and Importance

The term is heavily influenced by the New Testament of the Bible, particularly the Great Commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God [...] and your neighbor as yourself." (e.g., Luke 10:27). It is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, but the concept of selfless help is found in many cultures and philosophies worldwide.