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Aufmerksamkeit
/ˈaʊ̯fˌmɛʁkzaːmkaɪ̯t/
attention
Er schenkte ihr seine volle Aufmerksamkeit.
He gave her his full attention.
general
the state of focusing one's mind on something or someone
Die Lehrerin forderte die Aufmerksamkeit der Schüler.
The teacher demanded the students' attention.
Er lenkte ihre Aufmerksamkeit auf das Gemälde.
He drew her attention to the painting.
Aufmerksamkeit can refer to both voluntary focus (e.g., paying attention) and involuntary awareness (e.g., catching someone's eye).
formal
politeness or consideration shown to others
Mit großer Aufmerksamkeit behandelte er die Gäste.
He treated the guests with great consideration.
This sense is often used in social or professional contexts.
Collocations
volle Aufmerksamkeitfull attentionAufmerksamkeit erregento attract attentionAufmerksamkeit schenkento pay attentiondie Aufmerksamkeit auf etwas lenkento draw attention to something
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Avoid confusing 'Aufmerksamkeit' with 'Interesse' (interest). While related, 'Aufmerksamkeit' implies active focus, whereas 'Interesse' can be passive. For example, 'Er hat Interesse an Kunst' (He is interested in art) vs. 'Er schenkt der Kunst seine Aufmerksamkeit' (He pays attention to art).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'Aufmerksamkeit' shifts slightly depending on context. In educational settings, it often refers to students' focus. In social contexts, it can imply politeness or consideration.
Word Origin
From 'aufmerksam' (attentive) + '-keit' (suffix forming abstract nouns), first attested in the 17th century. 'Aufmerksam' itself derives from 'auf' (on, to) + 'merken' (to notice).
Usage Notes
Aufmerksamkeit is a feminine noun (die Aufmerksamkeit). It is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts, such as education, business, or social interactions. In psychology, it refers to cognitive processes like selective attention.
Word Breakdown
auf
on, to
prefixmerk
to notice
rootsam
adjective-forming suffix
suffixkeit
abstract noun-forming suffix
suffixDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch