Selbstbeherrschung
Self-control, self-restraint
Selbstbeherrschung 30초 만에
- Selbstbeherrschung is the German word for self-control or self-restraint, focusing on emotional regulation.
- It is a feminine noun (die) and is commonly used with the verbs 'bewahren' and 'verlieren'.
- The word is a compound of 'Selbst' (self) and 'Beherrschung' (mastery or command).
- It is highly valued in German culture as a sign of maturity, professionalism, and character strength.
The German noun Selbstbeherrschung is a powerful compound word that translates directly to 'self-mastery' or 'self-control.' It describes the ability of an individual to regulate their emotions, impulses, and behaviors in the face of temptation, provocation, or internal pressure. In the German-speaking world, this is not just a psychological term; it is often viewed as a significant character trait, deeply rooted in historical and philosophical ideals of stoicism and civic duty. When you speak of someone having Selbstbeherrschung, you are acknowledging their capacity to remain calm and rational when everything around them might be chaotic.
- Psychological Context
- In psychology, it refers to the executive function that allows for delayed gratification and the suppression of socially unacceptable reactions.
Ohne eine gewisse Selbstbeherrschung kann man in einer modernen Gesellschaft kaum erfolgreich zusammenarbeiten.
The word is frequently used in formal discussions about education, personal development, and even legal matters. For instance, if a person acts out of a 'loss of self-control,' the German term used is often Kontrollverlust, which is the direct antithesis of Selbstbeherrschung. In everyday life, Germans use this word to describe the struggle against eating too much chocolate, the effort to stay calm during a heated argument, or the discipline required to finish a difficult task without getting distracted.
- Social Expectations
- German culture often values a level-headed approach to problems; therefore, showing high levels of Selbstbeherrschung is generally seen as a sign of maturity and professionalism.
Es erfordert viel Selbstbeherrschung, bei solchen Beleidigungen ruhig zu bleiben.
Furthermore, the concept is often linked to the idea of 'Willenskraft' (willpower). While willpower is the energy used to exert control, Selbstbeherrschung is the state of having that control. It is the protective barrier between a feeling and an action. If you feel like shouting but choose to speak softly, you are exercising your Selbstbeherrschung. This word is essential for B1 learners because it appears in many texts regarding health, psychology, and interpersonal relationships.
- Common Collocations
- Commonly paired with 'verlieren' (to lose) or 'bewahren' (to maintain/keep).
Using Selbstbeherrschung correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs it typically attracts. Because it is an abstract concept, it often functions as the direct object of a sentence. You 'have' it, you 'lose' it, or you 'show' it. For example, 'Er hat seine Selbstbeherrschung verloren' (He lost his self-control). Here, notice the use of the possessive pronoun 'seine,' which is very common when referring to a specific person's control.
- The Verb 'bewahren'
- This is the most formal and common way to say 'to keep' or 'to maintain' self-control. It suggests a conscious effort to stay composed.
Trotz der Provokation konnte die Zeugin ihre Selbstbeherrschung bewahren.
In more complex sentences, you might use the preposition 'an' in the sense of 'working on' one's self-control: 'Ich arbeite an meiner Selbstbeherrschung.' This indicates a process of self-improvement. Another important grammatical structure is the use of 'vor' (before/from) when explaining what caused the loss of control: 'Er schrie vor mangelnder Selbstbeherrschung' (He screamed due to a lack of self-control), though this is less common than simply saying 'Er verlor die Beherrschung.'
- The Adjective 'mangelnd'
- Often used to describe a 'lack' of self-control. 'Mangelnde Selbstbeherrschung' is a common phrase in performance reviews or psychological reports.
Seine mangelnde Selbstbeherrschung führte zu großen Problemen am Arbeitsplatz.
When describing a person who possesses this quality, you can use the adjective 'selbstbeherrscht.' For example: 'Sie ist eine sehr selbstbeherrschte Frau.' This shifts the focus from the concept to the character trait of the individual. In B1 level exams, being able to switch between the noun and the adjective shows a good grasp of word families. You might also encounter the phrase 'bis zur Selbstaufgabe,' which is different but often discussed in the same context of emotional management.
- Prepositional Phrases
- 'Mit viel Selbstbeherrschung' (with much self-control) is a standard way to describe how an action was performed.
You will encounter Selbstbeherrschung in a variety of real-world scenarios in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. One of the most common places is in the educational system. Teachers often talk about 'die Förderung der Selbstbeherrschung' (the promotion of self-control) as a key pedagogical goal for young children. In school reports, you might see comments about a student's ability to control their impulses during class.
- In the Media
- News reports often use this word when discussing politicians who have remained calm under pressure or athletes who have managed to stay focused during a high-stakes competition.
Der Kanzler bewies während der Debatte eine bewundernswerte Selbstbeherrschung.
Another frequent context is health and lifestyle. German magazines (like 'Focus' or 'Spiegel') often publish articles on 'Wie man mehr Selbstbeherrschung lernt' (How to learn more self-control), particularly in relation to dieting, quitting smoking, or managing stress. It is a staple of the 'Ratgeber' (self-help) literature that is very popular in German bookstores. You will hear it in podcasts discussing mental health and resilience, where it is linked to the concept of 'Resilienz.'
- In Legal and Police Contexts
- When the police describe an incident, they might mention if a suspect 'die Selbstbeherrschung verlor' (lost self-control), which can be a factor in determining the nature of a crime.
Der Angeklagte gab zu, in jenem Moment die Selbstbeherrschung verloren zu haben.
In the workplace, particularly in leadership training, Selbstbeherrschung is discussed as part of 'Emotionale Intelligenz' (emotional intelligence). Managers are taught that maintaining their composure is essential for leading a team effectively. You might hear a colleague say, 'Ich bewundere deine Selbstbeherrschung,' after you've dealt with a particularly difficult customer without getting angry. It is a word that carries a high level of respect in professional settings.
- Everyday Conversations
- Even in casual settings, friends might joke about their lack of Selbstbeherrschung when faced with a second piece of cake.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing Selbstbeherrschung with the simple word Beherrschung. While they are related, Beherrschung on its own often refers to the mastery of a skill or a language (e.g., 'die Beherrschung der deutschen Sprache'). If you say 'Ich habe meine Beherrschung verloren,' it is understood as losing your temper, but 'Ich habe die Beherrschung' without context sounds like you are mastering something, not necessarily yourself.
- Confusion with 'Kontrolle'
- While 'Selbstkontrolle' exists and is a perfect synonym, learners sometimes use 'Kontrolle' in places where 'Selbstbeherrschung' is more idiomatic. 'Kontrolle' sounds more mechanical or administrative.
Falsch: Ich habe keine Kontrolle über meine Wut. (Better: Selbstbeherrschung)
Another error involves the declension of the noun. Some learners forget that it is feminine and use 'der' or 'das.' Remember: die Selbstbeherrschung. Also, when using verbs like 'verlieren,' ensure you use the correct accusative case for the possessive pronoun: 'Er verlor seine Selbstbeherrschung' (not 'sein'). Using the wrong gender for the pronoun is a common B1-level slip-up.
- Overusing 'Selbstkontrolle'
- While not technically a mistake, overusing 'Selbstkontrolle' can make your German sound a bit influenced by English ('self-control'). 'Selbstbeherrschung' sounds more authentically German in many contexts.
Richtig: Er kämpfte um seine Selbstbeherrschung.
Lastly, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'sch' sound. Some learners merge it with the 's' or 'ch,' but in 'beherrschung,' it must be a clear, distinct 'sh' sound. Mispronouncing this can make the word unrecognizable, especially given its length. Practice breaking it down: Sel-bst-be-herr-schung. The 'rr' is also important; it should be a slight uvular friction, not a rolled English 'r.'
- Plural Mistakes
- Using 'Selbstbeherrschungen' is almost always a mistake in standard conversation. Stick to the singular form.
To truly master German, you should know the nuances between Selbstbeherrschung and its synonyms. Each word carries a slightly different 'flavor' and is used in specific situations. For example, Disziplin (discipline) is often used in the context of hard work and following rules, whereas Selbstbeherrschung is more about emotional restraint.
- Selbstbeherrschung vs. Selbstkontrolle
- Selbstbeherrschung is more traditional and focuses on the inner struggle. Selbstkontrolle is more modern, scientific, and often used in psychology.
- Selbstbeherrschung vs. Beherrschtheit
- Beherrschtheit is the character trait of being a controlled person, while Selbstbeherrschung is the act or the capacity for it.
Seine Disziplin beim Training ist großartig, aber seine Selbstbeherrschung bei Kritik ist schwach.
Another interesting alternative is Kontenance. This is a loanword from French ('contenance') and is used in very formal or slightly old-fashioned contexts to mean 'maintaining one's composure.' If someone says 'Er hat die Kontenance verloren,' they are describing a loss of self-control in a very high-society or sophisticated setting. On the other hand, Willenskraft (willpower) is the energy source that allows for self-control.
- Gleichmut vs. Selbstbeherrschung
- Gleichmut (equanimity) is a state of mind where you aren't even bothered, whereas Selbstbeherrschung implies you ARE bothered but are controlling it.
Es ist ein Unterschied zwischen echter Ruhe und mühsamer Selbstbeherrschung.
For more informal situations, you might hear 'Sich zusammenreißen' (to pull oneself together). While this is a verb phrase, it covers the same conceptual ground. 'Reiß dich zusammen!' is a common way to tell someone to exercise some Selbstbeherrschung. Lastly, Besonnenheit (prudence/level-headedness) is a related virtue that describes the quality of thinking before acting, which is a key component of self-control.
- Zusammenfassung
- Choose your word based on the intensity and the context: Disziplin for tasks, Kontenance for formal events, and Selbstbeherrschung for emotional regulation.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing 'Selbst' without the 't'.
- Merging 'sch' and 's' into one sound.
- Missing the 'rr' friction.
- Stressing the 'be' prefix.
- Pronouncing the final 'g' like a hard 'k'.
수준별 예문
Ich brauche Selbstbeherrschung.
I need self-control.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
Hast du Selbstbeherrschung?
Do you have self-control?
Question with 'haben'.
Selbstbeherrschung ist gut.
Self-control is good.
Using 'sein' with an adjective.
Sie zeigt Selbstbeherrschung.
She shows self-control.
Verb 'zeigen' (to show).
Keine Selbstbeherrschung!
No self-control!
Negation with 'keine'.
Mein Bruder hat Selbstbeherrschung.
My brother has self-control.
Possessive 'mein'.
Selbstbeherrschung ist schwer.
Self-control is difficult.
Adjective 'schwer'.
Wir lernen Selbstbeherrschung.
We are learning self-control.
Verb 'lernen'.
Er verliert oft seine Selbstbeherrschung.
He often loses his self-control.
Verb 'verlieren' + possessive pronoun.
Mit Selbstbeherrschung isst man weniger.
With self-control, one eats less.
Preposition 'mit' + dative (though same form here).
Ich bewundere deine Selbstbeherrschung.
I admire your self-control.
Verb 'bewundern' (to admire).
Ohne Selbstbeherrschung gibt es Probleme.
Without self-control, there are problems.
Preposition 'ohne' + accusative.
Ist Selbstbeherrschung wichtig für dich?
Is self-control important to you?
Adjective 'wichtig' with 'für'.
Sie hat viel Selbstbeherrschung bewiesen.
She proved a lot of self-control.
Perfect tense 'hat bewiesen'.
Kinder brauchen viel Selbstbeherrschung.
Children need a lot of self-control.
Plural subject.
Er arbeitet an seiner Selbstbeherrschung.
He is working on his self-control.
Verb 'arbeiten an' + dative.
In Stresssituationen ist Selbstbeherrschung entscheidend.
In stressful situations, self-control is crucial.
Compound noun 'Stresssituationen'.
Man muss seine Selbstbeherrschung bewahren.
One must maintain one's self-control.
Modal verb 'müssen' + 'bewahren'.
Seine mangelnde Selbstbeherrschung war das Problem.
His lack of self-control was the problem.
Adjective 'mangelnd' (lacking).
Es erfordert viel Selbstbeherrschung, ruhig zu bleiben.
It requires a lot of self-control to stay calm.
Infinitive clause with 'zu'.
Trotz des Ärgers behielt sie ihre Selbstbeherrschung.
Despite the anger, she kept her self-control.
Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.
Selbstbeherrschung kann man trainieren.
Self-control can be trained.
Modal verb 'können' in passive-like sense.
Er verlor kurzzeitig die Selbstbeherrschung.
He briefly lost his self-control.
Adverb 'kurzzeitig'.
Ein Mangel an Selbstbeherrschung führt zu Fehlern.
A lack of self-control leads to mistakes.
Noun 'Mangel' with 'an' + dative.
Die Studie untersucht die psychologischen Grundlagen der Selbstbeherrschung.
The study examines the psychological foundations of self-control.
Genitive case 'der Selbstbeherrschung'.
Er appellierte an ihre Selbstbeherrschung.
He appealed to her self-control.
Verb 'appellieren an' + accusative.
Selbstbeherrschung gilt als eine wichtige Tugend.
Self-control is considered an important virtue.
Verb 'gelten als' (to be considered as).
Durch eiserne Selbstbeherrschung erreichte er sein Ziel.
Through iron self-control, he reached his goal.
Adjective 'eisern' (iron/steely).
Es fällt ihm schwer, die Selbstbeherrschung nicht zu verlieren.
He finds it difficult not to lose his self-control.
Phrase 'es fällt jemandem schwer'.
Die Erziehung zur Selbstbeherrschung beginnt früh.
Education for self-control begins early.
Noun-preposition combination 'Erziehung zu'.
Ohne ein Mindestmaß an Selbstbeherrschung scheitert jede Diät.
Without a minimum level of self-control, every diet fails.
Compound 'Mindestmaß' (minimum measure).
Sie bewies in der Krise eine bemerkenswerte Selbstbeherrschung.
She showed remarkable self-control in the crisis.
Adjective 'bemerkenswert'.
Die philosophische Debatte über die Grenzen der Selbstbeherrschung ist alt.
The philosophical debate about the limits of self-control is old.
Complex noun phrases.
In der modernen Leistungsgesellschaft wird Selbstbeherrschung oft mit Selbstoptimierung gleichgesetzt.
In modern achievement-oriented society, self-control is often equated with self-optimization.
Passive voice with 'wird... gleichgesetzt'.
Er unterwarf seine Impulse einer strengen Selbstbeherrschung.
He subjected his impulses to strict self-control.
Verb 'unterwerfen' + dative.
Das völlige Schwinden der Selbstbeherrschung nannte man früher 'Affekt'.
The complete disappearance of self-control used to be called 'affect'.
Nominalization 'Schwinden'.
Selbstbeherrschung ist die Voraussetzung für jegliche Zivilisation.
Self-control is the prerequisite for any civilization.
Noun 'Voraussetzung'.
Sie kultivierte ihre Selbstbeherrschung durch jahrelange Meditation.
She cultivated her self-control through years of meditation.
Verb 'kultivieren'.
Die Unfähigkeit zur Selbstbeherrschung kann pathologische Ursachen haben.
The inability for self-control can have pathological causes.
Noun 'Unfähigkeit' with 'zu'.
Trotz extremer Provokation wich er nicht von seiner Selbstbeherrschung ab.
Despite extreme provocation, he did not deviate from his self-control.
Verb 'abweichen von'.
Die Dialektik von Freiheit und Selbstbeherrschung bildet den Kern seiner Theorie.
The dialectic of freedom and self-control forms the core of his theory.
Academic terminology 'Dialektik'.
In seinem Werk wird die Selbstbeherrschung als repressives Instrument der Macht dargestellt.
In his work, self-control is depicted as a repressive instrument of power.
Passive with 'als... dargestellt'.
Die feine Linie zwischen Selbstbeherrschung und emotionaler Erstarrung ist oft schwer zu ziehen.
The fine line between self-control and emotional numbness is often hard to draw.
Metaphorical language.
Er stilisierte seine Selbstbeherrschung zu einer Form der Kunst.
He stylized his self-control into a form of art.
Verb 'stilisieren zu'.
Die schiere Unmöglichkeit der vollkommenen Selbstbeherrschung ist ein zentrales literarisches Motiv.
The sheer impossibility of perfect self-control is a central literary motif.
Double genitive structure.
Ihre Selbstbeherrschung war lediglich eine Maske für ihre tiefe Verzweiflung.
Her self-control was merely a mask for her deep despair.
Metaphor 'Maske für'.
Das Postulat der Selbstbeherrschung durchzieht die gesamte Aufklärungsliteratur.
The postulate of self-control permeates all Enlightenment literature.
Verb 'durchziehen' (to permeate).
Man kann die Selbstbeherrschung nicht losgelöst von den sozialen Normen betrachten.
One cannot view self-control detached from social norms.
Participle construction 'losgelöst von'.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
Die Selbstbeherrschung wiedergewinnen
Ein hohes Maß an Selbstbeherrschung
Zur Selbstbeherrschung mahnen
Völlige Selbstbeherrschung
Mangel an Selbstbeherrschung
Selbstbeherrschung üben
Selbstbeherrschung zeigen
Mit letzter Selbstbeherrschung
Keinerlei Selbstbeherrschung
Selbstbeherrschung ist alles
관용어 및 표현
"Die Fassung bewahren"
To keep one's composure; very similar to maintaining self-control.
Trotz der Nachricht bewahrte sie die Fassung.
formal"Sich am Riemen reißen"
To pull oneself together; to exercise self-discipline.
Du musst dich jetzt am Riemen reißen!
informal"Einen kühlen Kopf bewahren"
To keep a cool head; to stay calm under pressure.
In der Prüfung musst du einen kühlen Kopf bewahren.
neutral"Sich im Zaum halten"
To keep oneself in check (like a horse's bridle).
Er musste sich im Zaum halten, um nicht zu schreien.
neutral"Den Atem anhalten"
Metaphorically used sometimes for waiting or holding back impulses.
Er hielt den Atem an und wartete.
neutral"Aus der Haut fahren"
To jump out of one's skin; to lose self-control completely in anger.
Ich könnte fast aus der Haut fahren!
informal"Gute Miene zum bösen Spiel machen"
To put a brave face on a bad situation.
Er machte gute Miene zum bösen Spiel.
neutral"An sich halten"
To restrain oneself; to hold back.
Sie musste an sich halten, um nicht zu lachen.
neutral"Die Beherrschung verlieren"
To lose control (shortened version).
Er verlor die Beherrschung.
neutral"Ein dickes Fell haben"
To be thick-skinned; helps with self-control against criticism.
In diesem Job braucht man ein dickes Fell.
informal어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
Summary
Selbstbeherrschung is more than just 'control'; it is the 'mastery of the self.' Use it when discussing emotional regulation or discipline. Example: 'Wer seine Selbstbeherrschung verliert, verliert oft auch den Respekt anderer.'
- Selbstbeherrschung is the German word for self-control or self-restraint, focusing on emotional regulation.
- It is a feminine noun (die) and is commonly used with the verbs 'bewahren' and 'verlieren'.
- The word is a compound of 'Selbst' (self) and 'Beherrschung' (mastery or command).
- It is highly valued in German culture as a sign of maturity, professionalism, and character strength.
관련 콘텐츠
emotions 관련 단어
abgeneigt
B1무언가를 좋아하지 않거나 피하고 싶어하는 것.
ablehnend
B1무언가나 누군가를 승인하지 않거나 거부하는 듯한 태도를 보일 때 사용해요.
abneigen
B1어떤 사람이나 사물에 대해 싫어하거나 반감을 느끼는 것을 말해요.
Abneigung
B1누군가나 무언가를 좋아하지 않는 느낌이며, 종종 피하게 만드는 감정이야.
Abscheu
B1아주 강한 싫어함이나 혐오감을 뜻해요.
abscheuen
B1강한 혐오감을 가지고 어떤 것, 혹은 누군가를 매우 싫어하는 것을 말해요.
Ach!
A1아! 정말 멋지네요. / 아, 그렇군요.
ach
A2아, 오; 놀람, 이해, 후회 등 다양한 감정을 표현합니다.
akzeptierend
B1accepting
Albtraum
A2자고 있는 동안 무섭게 만드는 아주 나쁜 꿈이야.