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die Missgunst

B1 noun #8,000 most common 8 min read

die Missgunst

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips die Missgunst in 30 Seconds

Explanation die Missgunst in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'die Missgunst' is a very difficult and advanced word. You probably won't use it yet. Instead, you would use simple words like 'nicht lieb' (not nice) or 'traurig' (sad). If a child has a toy and you want it, you might say 'Ich will das auch' (I want that too). A1 learners should focus on basic emotions like 'glücklich' (happy) or 'sauer' (angry). 'Missgunst' is a complex feeling that combines anger and sadness because someone else has something good. Imagine two children playing. One child gets a big gift. The other child is not happy for them. This 'not happy' feeling, when it becomes very strong and mean, is what adults call 'Missgunst'. For now, just remember that German has many specific words for feelings, and this is one of the 'darker' ones. You don't need to use it in your first conversations, but you might see it in a storybook about a mean person. It is always 'die Missgunst'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more about social interactions. You might know the word 'neidisch' (envious). 'Die Missgunst' is like being 'very, very neidisch' in a bad way. It's when you don't like it that your friend got a good grade. In A2, you can start to recognize this word in texts. You might see it in a sentence like: 'Er hat viel Missgunst.' This means 'He has a lot of ill will.' You should know that it is a noun and it is feminine. You can compare it to 'Gunst', which means favor or goodwill. The 'Miss-' part at the beginning usually means something is wrong or bad (like in 'Missverständnis' - misunderstanding). So, 'Missgunst' is 'bad favor' or 'bad will'. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but understanding that it's a stronger, meaner version of envy will help you understand German stories and news better.

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish between 'Neid' and 'Missgunst'. This is an important distinction in German culture. 'Neid' can be 'gelber Neid' (bitter envy) but it can also be a compliment. 'Missgunst' is never a compliment. It is a sign of a bad character. You should be able to use it in sentences with prepositions like 'gegenüber'. For example: 'Es herrscht viel Missgunst gegenüber den neuen Nachbarn.' This means there is a lot of resentment towards the new neighbors. You might use this word when discussing problems at work or in society. B1 learners should also recognize the adjective 'missgünstig'. If you say 'Er ist ein missgünstiger Kollege,' you are saying he is a colleague who doesn't want others to succeed. This word is very useful for describing motivations. When someone does something mean, you can ask: 'War das aus Missgunst?' (Was that out of resentment?). It adds a lot of depth to your ability to describe human behavior and social problems.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'die Missgunst' with nuance. You should understand that it is a key concept in German social criticism. Germans often talk about 'Sozialneid' and 'Missgunst' when discussing politics and the economy. You should be able to use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'geprägt sein von Missgunst' (to be characterized by resentment). You should also be able to explain the difference between 'Missgunst' and 'Eifersucht' clearly. In B2, you might encounter this word in literature or high-level journalism. You should be able to discuss how 'Missgunst' can destroy a team or a relationship. It is an abstract noun, so you won't use it for small things like wanting a piece of cake. It is for situations involving status, success, and long-term relationships. You should also be familiar with synonyms like 'Ressentiment' and know that 'Missgunst' is the more common, everyday term for this feeling, while 'Ressentiment' is more academic or philosophical.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated understanding of 'die Missgunst'. You can use it to analyze complex social dynamics and psychological states. You might use it in a phrase like 'die strukturelle Missgunst' (structural resentment) in a sociological discussion. You should be aware of the etymological roots (Miss- + Gunst) and how this relates to other words like 'begünstigen' or 'gönnen'. A C1 learner can use 'Missgunst' in formal essays to describe the motivations of historical figures or fictional characters. You should also be able to recognize the subtle difference between 'Missgunst' and 'Gehässigkeit'—where the former is the feeling and the latter is the spiteful action that follows. Your vocabulary should also include the antonym 'Gönnerschaft' or the concept of 'Gunst'. You can discuss the cultural implications of 'Missgunst' in German-speaking countries compared to other cultures. For example, is there more 'Missgunst' in a society that values egalitarianism? These are the types of high-level discussions where this word is indispensable.

At the C2 level, 'die Missgunst' is a tool for precise and elegant expression. You can use it to explore the deepest recesses of the human psyche, perhaps in a literary critique or a philosophical treatise. You might reference Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of 'Ressentiment' and compare it to the common German 'Missgunst'. You understand the rhythmic and stylistic impact of the word in a sentence. You can use it metaphorically, such as 'die Missgunst des Schicksals' (the resentment of fate/ill-fatedness). You are also aware of very rare or archaic related terms like 'Scheelsucht'. At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you know how it feels in different historical and social contexts. You can use it to describe the subtle 'Unterton von Missgunst' (undertone of resentment) in a diplomatic negotiation or a high-stakes corporate environment. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can play with the word's associations to create complex meanings and irony.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

die Missgunst in 30 Seconds

Missgunst means begrudging someone their success or luck.
It is a feminine noun and stronger than simple envy (Neid).
It often involves a wish for the other person to lose what they have.
Commonly used in professional, social, and psychological contexts.

The German word die Missgunst is a powerful and specific noun that describes a complex psychological state. At its core, it refers to a feeling of ill will, resentment, or a specific type of malicious envy. Unlike simple envy (Neid), which might just mean you want what someone else has, Missgunst carries the darker connotation that you actually begrudge the other person their success or happiness. You don't just want the object; you want the other person to lose it. It is the opposite of 'Wohlwollen' (goodwill). In German culture, this word is often used to describe social friction or the negative energy that arises when one person succeeds and others feel diminished by that success. It is a word that probes the depths of human character and social competition.

Core Concept: The refusal to acknowledge another person's merit or fortune without feeling personal resentment.
Emotional Quality: It is often described as 'bitter' or 'poisonous,' suggesting a long-lasting internal state rather than a fleeting emotion.
Social Context: Commonly discussed in professional environments, family disputes, and neighborhood rivalries where comparisons are frequent.

Seine Beförderung löste bei den Kollegen große Missgunst aus.

In everyday life, you might hear this word when people are discussing why a team isn't working well together or why a community is divided. It is a 'heavy' word, not one used lightly in casual conversation about wanting a friend's ice cream. It is reserved for situations where there is a perceived injustice in another's luck or achievement. German speakers use it to diagnose a lack of generosity of spirit. It is also a key term in literary and philosophical discussions about 'Ressentiment' and the darker side of human social structures. Understanding Missgunst is essential for mastering the nuances of German social interaction and the vocabulary of emotions.

Es ist traurig zu sehen, wie viel Missgunst in dieser kleinen Stadt herrscht.

Grammatically, die Missgunst is a feminine noun. It is most frequently used in the singular, as it describes an abstract quality or state. When you want to say someone feels this towards someone else, you typically use the preposition gegenüber (towards) or gegen (against). For example, 'Er empfindet Missgunst gegenüber seinem Bruder.' This structure allows you to pinpoint the source and the target of the emotion. You will also often see it paired with verbs like 'empfinden' (to feel), 'zeigen' (to show), 'auslösen' (to trigger), or 'säen' (to sow, metaphorically speaking).

Verb Pairing: Missgunst empfinden (to feel resentment) is the most standard way to describe the internal state.
Prepositional Use: Always use 'gegenüber' with the dative case to specify the person who is the object of the resentment.

Statt sich für sie zu freuen, war sein Handeln von Missgunst geprägt.

Another common way to use the word is in the construction 'aus Missgunst' (out of resentment/envy). This explains the motivation behind an action. If someone sabotages a project, they might do it 'aus reiner Missgunst' (out of pure resentment). This phrase is very common in legal or formal contexts where motives are being analyzed. Furthermore, you can use the adjective 'missgünstig' to describe a person's character. A 'missgünstiger Mensch' is someone who habitually begrudges others. Understanding these variations helps you integrate the word into more complex German sentences.

Es gibt keinen Raum für Missgunst in einem erfolgreichen Team.

You will encounter die Missgunst in several distinct environments. First and foremost, it is a staple of psychological and self-help literature in German. Authors often discuss how to overcome Missgunst to lead a happier life. In the workplace, it is a key term used by HR professionals and managers when discussing team dynamics, 'Betriebsklima' (work atmosphere), and 'Konkurrenzdenken' (competitive thinking). If a workplace is toxic, Missgunst is often cited as a primary reason. You will also hear it in news reports or political commentary when one party or politician is accused of attacking another not because of policy differences, but because of personal resentment.

In Literature: Classic German novels often use this word to describe the motivations of villains or the tragedy of family feuds.
In Media: Talk shows and opinion pieces use it to critique social envy in the context of wealth redistribution or fame.

Die Presse schrieb über die Missgunst zwischen den beiden Filmstars.

In more formal social settings, people might use the word to politely but firmly describe a negative atmosphere. For example, during a speech at a wedding or an anniversary, someone might say, 'Hier gibt es keinen Platz für Missgunst, nur für Freude.' It is also a common topic in religious or ethical sermons, where it is contrasted with 'Nächstenliebe' (charity/love for one's neighbor). If you are reading German newspapers like 'Die Zeit' or 'FAZ', you will frequently see Missgunst used in analyses of social trends, particularly when discussing the German 'Neidkultur' (culture of envy).

Man spürte die Missgunst im Raum, als der Gewinner bekannt gegeben wurde.

The most frequent mistake learners make with die Missgunst is confusing it with der Neid (envy) or die Eifersucht (jealousy). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Neid is often neutral or even positive (e.g., 'Ich beneide dich um deinen Urlaub' - I envy you for your vacation). Missgunst is never positive. It always implies a wish for the other person to be deprived of their advantage. Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. Learners often try to use 'an' or 'auf', but 'gegenüber' or 'gegen' are the correct choices for directed resentment.

Mistake: Neid vs. Missgunst: Using 'Missgunst' when you just want something someone else has. Correct: Use 'Neid' for simple wanting; 'Missgunst' for begrudging.
Mistake: Eifersucht vs. Missgunst: 'Eifersucht' is usually about relationships and the fear of losing someone. 'Missgunst' is about objects, status, or success.

Falsch: Ich habe Missgunst auf dein Eis. (Incorrect)
Richtig: Ich bin neidisch auf dein Eis. (Correct)

Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that Missgunst is a noun and try to use it as a verb. There is no verb 'missgönnen' that functions exactly like the noun in all contexts (though 'missgönnen' does exist, it requires a specific dative/accusative structure). It is often safer for B1/B2 learners to stick to the noun phrase 'Missgunst empfinden'. Also, pay attention to the article; it is always 'die'. Using 'der Missgunst' is a common gender error. Finally, avoid using it in very casual, lighthearted contexts, as it can sound overly dramatic or accusatory.

Vermeiden Sie es, Missgunst mit Eifersucht zu verwechseln.

To truly master die Missgunst, you should understand how it sits within a family of related terms. The most common alternative is der Neid. While Neid is the general term for envy, Missgunst is the specifically malicious subset. Another related word is das Ressentiment, which is more of a deep-seated, long-term grudge often directed at a whole group or class of people. In a more formal or religious context, you might encounter die Gehässigkeit (spitefulness), which describes the behavior resulting from Missgunst.

Neid vs. Missgunst: Neid: 'I want that too.' Missgunst: 'I don't want you to have that.'
Eifersucht vs. Missgunst: Eifersucht: Fear of losing affection. Missgunst: Resentment of success.
Schadenfreude vs. Missgunst: Schadenfreude is the joy at another's misfortune; Missgunst is the feeling that often leads to it.

Es ist ein schmaler Grat zwischen gesundem Wettbewerb und bitterer Missgunst.

If you want to express a similar idea but in a slightly different register, you could use die Gunstlosigkeit (lack of favor), though this is much rarer and more literal. On the opposite side, the antonyms are very useful for contrast: das Wohlwollen (goodwill), die Gönnerhaftigkeit (patronage/generosity), or simply die Mitfreude (joy for another). Using these words in opposition can help clarify your meaning. For instance, 'Er zeigte keine Mitfreude, sondern nur Missgunst.' This contrast highlights the lack of shared happiness, which is the defining characteristic of Missgunst.

Die Missgunst ist der Feind jeder Gemeinschaft.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die Missgunst innerhalb der Belegschaft beeinträchtigt die Produktivität."

Neutral

"Es gibt viel Missgunst zwischen den beiden Nachbarn."

Informal

"Das ist doch reine Missgunst von ihm!"

Child friendly

"Man soll nicht böse sein, wenn andere etwas Schönes haben."

Slang

"Lass mal deine Missgunst stecken, Alter."

Fun Fact

The root 'Gunst' is related to 'gönnen' (to grant). So 'Missgunst' is literally the act of 'not granting' someone their happiness in your mind.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmɪsɡʊnst/

US /ˈmɪsɡʊnst/

On the first syllable: MISS-gunst.

Rhymes With

Gunst Kunst Dunst Brunst Vernunft (near rhyme) Zunft Brunst Gunst

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' as a long 'oo' like in 'moon'. It should be short.
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Softening the 'g' like a 'j'. It is always a hard 'g'.
Mixing up the 's' sound; it is a sharp 's' (like 'ss').
Omitting the 't' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in newspapers and literature, but abstract.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct prepositional use and understanding of nuance.

Speaking 4/5

Strong word, must be used carefully to avoid sounding overly aggressive.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced, but often used in fast-paced debates.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

der Neid die Gunst hassen fühlen schlecht

Learn Next

das Ressentiment die Gehässigkeit gönnen missgönnen das Wohlwollen

Advanced

die Scheelsucht die Schadenfreude die Missgunstdebatte das Konkurrenzdenken

Grammar to Know

Preposition 'gegenüber' + Dative

Missgunst gegenüber dem (Dativ) Erfolg.

Abstract Nouns and Articles

Die Missgunst (usually with the definite article).

Prefix 'Miss-'

Misserfolg, Missverständnis, Missgunst (all negative meanings).

Genitive Attributes

Die Missgunst der (Genitiv) Leute.

Adjective formation with '-ig'

Missgunst -> missgünstig.

Examples by Level

Er hat keine Missgunst.

He has no ill will.

Simple subject-verb-object.

Ist das Missgunst?

Is that resentment?

Question form.

Keine Missgunst bitte!

No resentment please!

Imperative-like phrase.

Sie fühlt Missgunst.

She feels resentment.

Feminine subject.

Das ist Missgunst.

That is resentment.

Demonstrative pronoun.

Warum diese Missgunst?

Why this resentment?

Interrogative.

Missgunst ist schlecht.

Resentment is bad.

Simple predicate adjective.

Er zeigt Missgunst.

He shows resentment.

Present tense.

Er blickt mit Missgunst auf das neue Haus.

He looks with resentment at the new house.

Prepositional phrase 'mit Missgunst'.

Seine Missgunst war deutlich zu sehen.

His resentment was clearly visible.

Possessive pronoun 'seine'.

Ich will keine Missgunst in der Gruppe.

I want no resentment in the group.

Negative article 'keine'.

Sie spricht voller Missgunst über ihn.

She speaks full of resentment about him.

Adjective 'voller' used with noun.

Missgunst macht einsam.

Resentment makes one lonely.

Abstract subject.

Warum hast du so viel Missgunst?

Why do you have so much resentment?

Quantifier 'viel'.

Seine Worte waren von Missgunst geprägt.

His words were shaped by resentment.

Passive-like construction.

Aus Missgunst hat er nichts gesagt.

Out of resentment, he said nothing.

Preposition 'aus' indicating motive.

Die Missgunst der Nachbarn war unerträglich.

The neighbors' resentment was unbearable.

Genitive attribute 'der Nachbarn'.

Er konnte seine Missgunst kaum verbergen.

He could hardly hide his resentment.

Modal verb 'konnte'.

Missgunst ist oft ein Zeichen von Unsicherheit.

Resentment is often a sign of insecurity.

Predicate noun.

Sie empfindet tiefe Missgunst gegenüber ihrer Schwester.

She feels deep resentment towards her sister.

Preposition 'gegenüber' + dative.

Er handelt aus reiner Missgunst.

He acts out of pure resentment.

Adjective 'reiner' modifying the noun.

In diesem Team gibt es viel Missgunst.

In this team, there is much resentment.

'Es gibt' construction.

Ihre Missgunst vergiftet die Atmosphäre.

Her resentment poisons the atmosphere.

Metaphorical verb 'vergiftet'.

Wir müssen die Missgunst überwinden.

We must overcome the resentment.

Infinitive with modal verb.

Die Missgunst gegenüber dem Erfolg anderer ist weit verbreitet.

Resentment towards the success of others is widespread.

Complex noun phrase.

Es ist schwer, Missgunst in echte Mitfreude zu verwandeln.

It is hard to transform resentment into genuine joy for others.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Oft ist Missgunst die Triebfeder für böswillige Gerüchte.

Often, resentment is the driving force behind malicious rumors.

Subject-complement structure.

Trotz seines Erfolges blieb er von der Missgunst seiner Kollegen verschont.

Despite his success, he was spared from his colleagues' resentment.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

Die Missgunst wuchs mit jedem seiner Siege.

The resentment grew with every one of his victories.

Preterite tense.

Man darf Missgunst nicht mit berechtigter Kritik verwechseln.

One must not confuse resentment with justified criticism.

Modal verb 'darf'.

Seine Missgunst war die Ursache für den Streit.

His resentment was the cause of the argument.

Noun as a cause.

Sie versuchte, ihre Missgunst hinter einem Lächeln zu verstecken.

She tried to hide her resentment behind a smile.

Infinitive construction.

Die gesellschaftliche Missgunst kann den sozialen Zusammenhalt gefährden.

Social resentment can endanger social cohesion.

Adjectival modifier 'gesellschaftliche'.

Er analysierte die Missgunst als ein Symptom tieferer Unzufriedenheit.

He analyzed resentment as a symptom of deeper dissatisfaction.

Preposition 'als' for comparison.

Missgunst ist das Gift, das jede Freundschaft langsam zersetzt.

Resentment is the poison that slowly decomposes every friendship.

Relative clause with 'das'.

Die Missgunst der Mächtigen gegenüber den Aufstrebenden ist ein altes Thema.

The resentment of the powerful towards those rising up is an old theme.

Double genitive/prepositional structure.

In seiner Rede warnte er vor der zerstörerischen Kraft der Missgunst.

In his speech, he warned against the destructive power of resentment.

Preposition 'vor' + dative.

Die Missgunst entspringt oft einem Mangel an Selbstwertgefühl.

Resentment often stems from a lack of self-esteem.

Verb 'entspringen' + dative.

Kein Erfolg rechtfertigt die Missgunst der Mitmenschen.

No success justifies the resentment of fellow human beings.

Negative determiner 'kein'.

Die Missgunst manifestierte sich in kleinen, gehässigen Kommentaren.

The resentment manifested itself in small, spiteful comments.

Reflexive verb 'sich manifestieren'.

Die Missgunst, dieses Atavistikum menschlicher Interaktion, bleibt unausrottbar.

Resentment, this atavism of human interaction, remains ineradicable.

Apposition.

In der Literatur wird Missgunst oft als tragischer Charakterfehler dargestellt.

In literature, resentment is often portrayed as a tragic character flaw.

Passive voice.

Seine Missgunst war so subtil, dass sie kaum jemandem auffiel.

His resentment was so subtle that hardly anyone noticed it.

Consecutive clause with 'dass'.

Die Missgunst des Schicksals beraubte ihn seiner letzten Hoffnung.

The resentment of fate robbed him of his last hope.

Genitive metaphor.

Nietzsches Konzept des Ressentiments geht über die bloße Missgunst hinaus.

Nietzsche's concept of ressentiment goes beyond mere resentment.

Phrasal verb 'hinausgehen über'.

Es bedarf einer großen Seele, um frei von jeglicher Missgunst zu sein.

It requires a great soul to be free from any resentment.

Impersonal 'es bedarf'.

Die Missgunst fungiert hier als Katalysator für den dramatischen Konflikt.

Resentment functions here as a catalyst for the dramatic conflict.

Noun as functional subject.

Ihre Missgunst war das Resultat jahrelanger Benachteiligung.

Her resentment was the result of years of discrimination.

Genitive of origin.

Common Collocations

Missgunst empfinden

aus Missgunst

voller Missgunst

Missgunst säen

von Missgunst geprägt

keine Missgunst kennen

Missgunst auslösen

blinde Missgunst

die Missgunst der anderen

Missgunst überwinden

Common Phrases

Jemandem etwas missgönnen

— The verbal form: to begrudge someone something.

Ich missgönne ihm seinen Erfolg nicht.

Ein missgünstiger Mensch

— A person who is habitually resentful.

Niemand mag einen missgünstigen Menschen.

Frei von Missgunst

— To be without any resentment.

Sie ist völlig frei von Missgunst.

Missgunst und Neid

— A common pairing of synonyms.

Missgunst und Neid sind schlechte Ratgeber.

Die Missgunst des Erfolgreichen

— Resentment felt toward a successful person.

Das ist die typische Missgunst des Erfolgreichen.

Aus purer Missgunst

— Out of sheer resentment.

Er hat das aus purer Missgunst getan.

Missgunst zeigen

— To display resentment openly.

Er zeigte seine Missgunst ganz offen.

Keinen Platz für Missgunst

— No room for resentment.

In unserer Familie gibt es keinen Platz für Missgunst.

Gegen Missgunst ankämpfen

— To fight against resentment.

Wir müssen gegen die Missgunst in der Gesellschaft ankämpfen.

Die Wurzel der Missgunst

— The root of resentment.

Wir müssen die Wurzel der Missgunst finden.

Often Confused With

die Missgunst vs Neid

Neid can be 'I want that too', Missgunst is 'I don't want you to have it'.

die Missgunst vs Eifersucht

Eifersucht is about fear of losing a person/love, Missgunst is about success/possessions.

die Missgunst vs Hass

Hass is general intense dislike, Missgunst is specifically about begrudging success.

Idioms & Expressions

"Jemandem die Butter auf dem Brot nicht gönnen"

— To begrudge someone even the smallest thing. This is the idiomatic equivalent of extreme Missgunst.

Er gönnt seinem Nachbarn nicht die Butter auf dem Brot.

informal/common

"Grün vor Neid/Missgunst sein"

— To be green with envy or resentment.

Als sie das neue Auto sah, wurde sie grün vor Missgunst.

informal

"Gift und Galle spucken"

— To be extremely angry and spiteful, often due to Missgunst.

Er spuckte Gift und Galle, als er von der Beförderung hörte.

informal

"Jemandem einen Stein in den Weg legen"

— To put obstacles in someone's way, often motivated by Missgunst.

Aus Missgunst legte er ihr Steine in den Weg.

neutral

"Sich schwarz ärgern"

— To be extremely annoyed, sometimes because of another's success.

Er ärgerte sich schwarz über den Erfolg seines Konkurrenten.

informal

"Ein Dorn im Auge sein"

— To be a thorn in someone's side (to be a source of resentment).

Sein Erfolg war den Kollegen ein Dorn im Auge.

neutral

"Scheel ansehen"

— To look at someone askance or with envy.

Sie wurde von allen scheel angesehen.

literary

"Den Erfolg madig machen"

— To spoil someone's success by criticizing it out of Missgunst.

Hör auf, mir meinen Erfolg madig zu machen!

informal

"Mit dem Schicksal hadern"

— To struggle with fate, often feeling Missgunst towards others' luck.

Statt Missgunst zu fühlen, sollte er nicht so viel mit dem Schicksal hadern.

formal

"Sich ins Fäustchen lachen"

— To laugh up one's sleeve (often when someone you feel Missgunst for fails).

Er lachte sich ins Fäustchen, als sein Rivale scheiterte.

informal

Easily Confused

die Missgunst vs Gunst

It is the root word.

Gunst is favor/goodwill, Missgunst is the opposite.

Er steht in der Gunst des Königs.

die Missgunst vs Missverständnis

Same prefix.

Missverständnis is a mistake in understanding; Missgunst is an emotion.

Das war ein Missverständnis.

die Missgunst vs Mitleid

Both are emotions towards others.

Mitleid is feeling for someone's pain; Missgunst is feeling against someone's joy.

Ich habe Mitleid mit ihm.

die Missgunst vs Hochmut

Both are negative social traits.

Hochmut is thinking you are better; Missgunst is hating that someone else is good.

Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

die Missgunst vs Schadenfreude

Related feelings.

Schadenfreude is joy at failure; Missgunst is the resentment that precedes it.

Er empfand Schadenfreude.

Sentence Patterns

Subjekt + hat + Missgunst.

Er hat viel Missgunst.

Subjekt + empfindet + Missgunst + gegenüber + Dativ.

Sie empfindet Missgunst gegenüber ihrem Chef.

Aus + Missgunst + Verb + Subjekt.

Aus Missgunst lügt er.

Die Missgunst + Genitiv + ist + Adjektiv.

Die Missgunst der Kollegen ist belastend.

Etwas + löst + Missgunst + aus.

Sein Erfolg löst Missgunst aus.

Von + Missgunst + geprägt + sein.

Das Gespräch war von Missgunst geprägt.

Sich + von + Missgunst + befreien.

Er muss sich von seiner Missgunst befreien.

Die Missgunst + als + Substantiv + betrachten.

Er betrachtet Missgunst als menschliche Schwäche.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in psychological, social, and literary contexts.

Common Mistakes

Ich habe Missgunst auf dich. → Ich empfinde Missgunst gegenüber dir.
The preposition 'auf' is used with 'neidisch', but 'gegenüber' is used with the noun 'Missgunst'.
Er ist ein missgunstiger Mann. → Er ist ein missgünstiger Mann.
The adjective requires the umlaut 'ü'.
Das ist ein großes Missgunst. → Das ist eine große Missgunst.
Missgunst is feminine, not neuter.
Ich missgunste dir. → Ich missgönne dir das.
The verb is 'missgönnen', not 'missgunsten'.
Es gibt viele Missgunsten. → Es gibt viel Missgunst.
Missgunst is an uncountable noun.

Tips

Preposition Choice

Always pair 'Missgunst' with 'gegenüber' for the most natural-sounding German. Avoid 'auf' or 'für'.

Social Nuance

In Germany, avoid bragging to prevent triggering 'Missgunst'. Modesty is highly valued in social interactions.

Synonym Use

Use 'Neid' if you want to be less harsh. 'Missgunst' is a very strong word that implies a character flaw.

Effective Writing

In essays, use 'Missgunst' to analyze the motivations of characters who act out of spite.

Pronunciation

Focus on the 'Miss-' part. If you emphasize the first syllable, the word sounds more forceful and correct.

Understanding the Emotion

Remember that 'Missgunst' is often rooted in one's own insecurity. This helps in understanding literary characters.

Contrast with Mitfreude

Learning 'Mitfreude' alongside 'Missgunst' gives you the full spectrum of social emotions.

Root Recognition

Recognizing 'Gunst' (favor) helps you remember many other words like 'günstig' or 'begünstigen'.

Context Clues

When you hear 'Missgunst' on the news, it's often about wealth inequality or political rivalry.

Idiomatic Alternative

Use 'Jemandem die Butter auf dem Brot nicht gönnen' for a more colorful, idiomatic way to express the same idea.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Miss' as 'Bad' and 'Gunst' as 'Goodwill'. Missgunst is 'Bad Goodwill'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking through a window at a happy party, their face turning green and sour.

Word Web

Neid Hass Groll Erfolg Glück Gunst Wohlwollen Gift

Challenge

Try to use 'Missgunst' and 'Wohlwollen' in the same sentence to contrast two different people.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German 'missegonst'. It combines the prefix 'miss-' (wrong, bad) with 'Gunst' (favor).

Original meaning: A 'wrong favor' or the opposite of favor/goodwill.

Germanic.

Cultural Context

Calling someone 'missgünstig' is a very strong personal insult regarding their character.

The English 'resentment' or 'ill will' covers much of the meaning, but 'Missgunst' is more specifically tied to another's success.

Friedrich Nietzsche's 'Ressentiment' (related concept) The brothers Grimm fairy tales (often feature missgünstige characters) German proverbs about 'Neid und Missgunst'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

Missgunst unter Kollegen
Konkurrenz und Missgunst
Missgunst vermeiden
Betriebsklima durch Missgunst belastet

Family

Geschwistermissgunst
Missgunst beim Erbe
alte Missgunst
familiäre Missgunst

Politics

politische Missgunst
Missgunst gegenüber dem Gegner
die Missgunst der Wähler
Missgunst schüren

Sports

Missgunst unter Sportlern
aus Missgunst foulen
keine Missgunst zeigen
sportliche Missgunst

Social Media

Missgunst in Kommentaren
digitaler Neid und Missgunst
Missgunst gegenüber Influencern
Hass und Missgunst

Conversation Starters

"Glaubst du, dass Missgunst in unserer Gesellschaft ein großes Problem ist?"

"Hast du schon einmal Missgunst am Arbeitsplatz erlebt?"

"Wie geht man am besten mit missgünstigen Menschen um?"

"Was ist für dich der größte Unterschied zwischen Neid und Missgunst?"

"Kann Missgunst jemals etwas Positives bewirken?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du Missgunst empfunden hast. Warum war das so?

Wie unterscheidet sich die 'Neidkultur' in deinem Heimatland von der in Deutschland?

Reflektiere darüber, wie man Missgunst in echtes Wohlwollen verwandeln kann.

Beschreibe einen fiktiven Charakter, der von Missgunst getrieben wird.

Warum ist Mitfreude oft schwieriger zu empfinden als Mitleid?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, unlike 'Neid', which can be used playfully or as a compliment, 'Missgunst' always describes a malicious and negative character trait.

Neid is wanting what someone else has. Missgunst is not wanting the other person to have it. Missgunst is more destructive and less about the object itself.

You use the preposition 'gegenüber'. For example: 'Ich habe keine Missgunst gegenüber dir.' (I have no resentment towards you.)

No, you must use the verb 'missgönnen'. For example: 'Ich missgönne ihm seinen Erfolg.' (I begrudge him his success.)

Yes, it is very common in newspapers, literature, and discussions about social behavior or workplace dynamics.

The most direct opposites are 'Wohlwollen' (goodwill) and 'Mitfreude' (joy for another's success).

It is always 'die' Missgunst because it is a feminine noun.

Usually, it is used for more significant things like career success, wealth, or personal happiness. For small things, 'Neid' is better.

Technically 'die Missgunsten' exists, but it is almost never used. It is treated as an uncountable abstract noun.

Yes, it is frequently used to describe a person who is habitually resentful or envious of others.