In 15 Seconds
- Used specifically for romantic jealousy and fear of losing a partner.
- Always use 'auf' plus the accusative case for the target.
- Different from 'neidisch', which is used for material envy or status.
Meaning
This phrase describes the feeling of romantic envy or insecurity when you fear someone might take your partner's affection away. It is the classic 'green-eyed monster' that pops up in relationships and dating.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a party with a partner
Bist du eifersüchtig, weil ich mit ihm geredet habe?
Are you jealous because I talked to him?
Talking to a best friend
Ich wollte ihn mit dem Foto nur eifersüchtig machen.
I only wanted to make him jealous with the photo.
Discussing character traits in a seminar
Othello ist der Inbegriff eines eifersüchtigen Mannes.
Othello is the epitome of a jealous man.
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'Eifersucht' is often seen as a sign of personal insecurity. There is a strong cultural push towards 'Selbstständigkeit' (independence) in relationships. Austrian literature (like Arthur Schnitzler) often explores 'Eifersucht' as a dark, psychological force in the upper-middle class. Swiss culture values 'Diskretion'. Showing 'Eifersucht' in public is considered very 'unhöflich' (impolite). In German social media, 'Eifersucht' is a major topic in 'Beziehungstipps' (relationship tips) videos, often labeled as 'toxic'.
The 'Triangle' Rule
If there are 3 people involved (You, your partner, and a rival), use 'eifersüchtig'. If there are only 2 (You and someone with a cool car), use 'neidisch'.
Avoid 'von'
Never say 'eifersüchtig von'. It's a direct translation from English and sounds very wrong in German.
In 15 Seconds
- Used specifically for romantic jealousy and fear of losing a partner.
- Always use 'auf' plus the accusative case for the target.
- Different from 'neidisch', which is used for material envy or status.
What It Means
Eifersüchtig sein is all about romantic jealousy. It is that uncomfortable sting you feel when your partner flirts with someone else. Unlike simple envy, this word implies a fear of loss. You are worried about losing the person you love. The word Eifer means zeal, and Sucht means addiction or passion. It describes a passionate, almost obsessive guarding of your relationship.
How To Use It
You usually use this with the preposition auf followed by the person you are jealous of. For example, you would say Ich bin eifersüchtig auf deinen Ex-Freund. Remember that auf triggers the accusative case here. You can also use it generally without a target. If you are just a jealous person by nature, you say Ich bin ein eifersüchtiger Mensch. It is a very common B1-level phrase for discussing feelings.
When To Use It
Use this when talking to friends about your dating life. It fits perfectly when you are venting about a partner's behavior at a party. You might use it while watching a dramatic movie or reading a romance novel. It is also common in serious heart-to-heart talks with a partner. If you see your crush talking to someone else at a bar, this is the word you need. Just don't let the feeling ruin your night!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use eifersüchtig if you just want your friend's new car or their high salary. For material things or status, Germans use the word neidisch. If you say you are eifersüchtig on a car, people will think you have a very strange relationship with vehicles. Also, avoid using it in professional settings unless you are discussing psychology. It is far too personal for a standard business meeting.
Cultural Background
In Germany, there is a famous saying: 'Eifersucht ist eine Leidenschaft, die mit Eifer sucht, was Leiden schafft.' This translates to 'Jealousy is a passion that zealously seeks what creates suffering.' It shows that Germans view jealousy as a self-destructive cycle. While passion is valued, extreme jealousy is often seen as a sign of insecurity. Germans generally value personal space and trust in a relationship.
Common Variations
You will often hear krankhaft eifersüchtig, which means being pathologically or insanely jealous. If someone is only a little bit jealous, they might say they are ein bisschen eifersüchtig. Another common phrase is jemanden eifersüchtig machen, which means 'to make someone jealous.' This is often used when someone posts a photo just to get a reaction from an ex. We have all been there, right?
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any social situation. Just remember the grammar: `auf` + Accusative is the golden rule for targeting the object of your jealousy.
The 'Triangle' Rule
If there are 3 people involved (You, your partner, and a rival), use 'eifersüchtig'. If there are only 2 (You and someone with a cool car), use 'neidisch'.
Avoid 'von'
Never say 'eifersüchtig von'. It's a direct translation from English and sounds very wrong in German.
Directness
Don't be afraid to use the word directly in Germany. It's better to admit 'Ich bin gerade etwas eifersüchtig' than to act passive-aggressively.
Examples
6Bist du eifersüchtig, weil ich mit ihm geredet habe?
Are you jealous because I talked to him?
A direct question during a social situation.
Ich wollte ihn mit dem Foto nur eifersüchtig machen.
I only wanted to make him jealous with the photo.
Using the variation 'jemanden eifersüchtig machen'.
Othello ist der Inbegriff eines eifersüchtigen Mannes.
Othello is the epitome of a jealous man.
A more formal, analytical use of the adjective.
Sie hat einen Neuen und ich bin so eifersüchtig!
She has a new guy and I'm so jealous!
Expressing raw emotion via text.
Mein Hund ist eifersüchtig auf die Katze.
My dog is jealous of the cat.
Applying the romantic concept to pets for a funny effect.
Deine Eifersucht zerstört unsere Beziehung langsam.
Your jealousy is slowly destroying our relationship.
Using the noun form 'die Eifersucht' in a heavy context.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition and article.
Bist du eifersüchtig ___ ___ (m) neuen Freund deiner Ex-Freundin?
The phrase 'eifersüchtig sein' always takes 'auf' + Akkusativ. '{der|m} Freund' becomes 'den Freund' in the Akkusativ.
Choose the correct word: eifersüchtig or neidisch.
Ich habe kein Auto, aber mein Nachbar hat einen Ferrari. Ich bin so ___!
You are 'neidisch' of objects (the Ferrari), not 'eifersüchtig'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum hast du mein Handy kontrolliert? B: Tut mir leid, ich ___ ___ einfach ___.
Checking a partner's phone is a classic sign of being 'eifersüchtig'.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Er ist eifersüchtig auf sein kleines Brüderchen.'
Jealousy towards a younger brother is a form of sibling rivalry.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Eifersüchtig vs. Neidisch
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBist du eifersüchtig ___ ___ (m) neuen Freund deiner Ex-Freundin?
The phrase 'eifersüchtig sein' always takes 'auf' + Akkusativ. '{der|m} Freund' becomes 'den Freund' in the Akkusativ.
Ich habe kein Auto, aber mein Nachbar hat einen Ferrari. Ich bin so ___!
You are 'neidisch' of objects (the Ferrari), not 'eifersüchtig'.
A: Warum hast du mein Handy kontrolliert? B: Tut mir leid, ich ___ ___ einfach ___.
Checking a partner's phone is a classic sign of being 'eifersüchtig'.
Sentence: 'Er ist eifersüchtig auf sein kleines Brüderchen.'
Jealousy towards a younger brother is a form of sibling rivalry.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically no. You are 'neidisch' on things. You are only 'eifersüchtig' if you fear that thing is taking away someone's attention from you.
Mostly, yes. However, some people say 'Ein bisschen Eifersucht gehört dazu' (A little jealousy is part of it), meaning it shows you care.
'Eifersüchtig' is the feeling of jealousy. 'Argwöhnisch' is being suspicious or distrustful, which is often a part of jealousy.
Only 'sein' changes: Ich bin eifersüchtig, du bist eifersüchtig, etc. The adjective stays the same.
Yes, 'eifersüchteln', but it's used for petty, annoying jealousy. For serious jealousy, we use the 'sein' construction.
Yes, if you feel they love your sibling more, you are 'eifersüchtig auf dein Geschwisterkind'.
It's a term used when jealousy leads to a big fight, a breakup, or even a crime.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a psychology book.
Prepositions are often arbitrary. In German, 'auf' is used for the object of many emotions (wütend auf, stolz auf, eifersüchtig auf).
Modernly, yes, but historically it meant 'sickness'. So it's 'zeal-sickness', not 'zeal-addiction'.
Related Phrases
neidisch sein
similarTo be envious of something someone else has.
jemandem vertrauen
contrastTo trust someone.
eifersüchteln
specialized formTo act in a petty, jealous way.
die Eifersucht
builds onThe noun form: jealousy.
missgünstig sein
similarTo be resentful of someone's success.
