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  3. Religion

Zuneigung

English translation: devotion

17:14 Apr 16, 2020
German to English translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - Religion
German term or phrase: Zuneigung
This comes from a somewhat "New-Age" text of spiritual advice, in a section headed "Universum + Zuneigung = Leben!" One paragraph reads: "Was ist Zuneigung? Zuneigung ist das einzige, womit du dich zu beschäftigen brauchst, um ein glückliches, erfolgreiches und erfülltes Leben zu haben. Deine Zuneigung ist lebenswichtig. Nichts anderes zählt. Sorge dich nicht um dein Leben. Es ist dann im vollkommenen Fluss, wenn deine Zuneigung in geordneten Bahnen verläuft. Das ist alles worum es geht, um deine Zuneigung."

I know the standard, dictionary definitiion is "affection" but that doesn't seem to fit. Something like "inclination" or "deep longings" would seem better. Thanks for any suggestions!
William Howden
Local time: 17:26
English translation:devotion
Explanation:
Affection is the right idea but the focus is too narrow - too much immediacy. Its broader, more spiritual or metaphorical counterpart is devotion, in my opinion.

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Note added at 3 hrs (2020-04-16 21:03:23 GMT)
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Why didn't the author call it 'Liebe' rather than 'Zuneigung'? In German, "Liebe' tends to be reserved for strong personal feelings..

What is Devotion? It's the only thing you need for a happy, successful and rewarding life. Devotion is essential to life. Nothing else matters. Don't worry about your life. When your devotion finds a clear-cut pathway, your life will be in perfect flow. Your devotion is all that matters.
Selected response from:

Michael Martin, MA
United States
Local time: 18:26
Grading comment
Thanks for your added comment. I was leaning toward "love" but you reminded me the author chose something other than "Liebe." Given the larger context, I actually settled on the plural "affections," which seemed better suited in English than the singular. So even though I didn't adopt "devotion," your comment was very helpful.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +5love
Ramey Rieger (X)
4affinity
Benjamin Morris
4devotion
Michael Martin, MA


  

Answers


14 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
affinity


Explanation:
I like affinity because it can imply a mutual connection or interest, finding one's chemistry in the universe ("our affinity for one another"), but can also focus simply on interests of the individual.

I also thought of 'disposition.'. Or, if you are looking for a word less wound up in 'interests' and more in 'capacities', perhaps 'faculty'?

Benjamin Morris
Germany
Local time: 00:26
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thanks for you help. Even though I didn't choose "affinity," your comments helped me think through the nuances of the terms.

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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +5
love


Explanation:
It's as simple as that.

Ramey Rieger (X)
Germany
Local time: 00:26
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 8
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thanks for your help. I ended up using the plural "affections," which seemed to fit best with the larger context.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Susanne Schiewe: Yes :-)//Hope you are well, too.
1 min
  -> What else? All you need...Hope you're well Susanne
agree  Lancashireman: Nice compromise between wishy-washy affinity and OTT devotion. // Bizarre. Asker opts for affection but awards the question to devotion.
51 mins
  -> You just can'T comprimise love :-)
agree  Kim Metzger
7 hrs
  -> Nothing but.
agree  franglish: benevolence too bland for you? All you need is love, lalalala...A sunny day to you.
12 hrs
  -> Same to you!
agree  writeaway: I just love Richard Strauss
16 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

39 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
devotion


Explanation:
Affection is the right idea but the focus is too narrow - too much immediacy. Its broader, more spiritual or metaphorical counterpart is devotion, in my opinion.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 3 hrs (2020-04-16 21:03:23 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Why didn't the author call it 'Liebe' rather than 'Zuneigung'? In German, "Liebe' tends to be reserved for strong personal feelings..

What is Devotion? It's the only thing you need for a happy, successful and rewarding life. Devotion is essential to life. Nothing else matters. Don't worry about your life. When your devotion finds a clear-cut pathway, your life will be in perfect flow. Your devotion is all that matters.

Michael Martin, MA
United States
Local time: 18:26
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 20
Grading comment
Thanks for your added comment. I was leaning toward "love" but you reminded me the author chose something other than "Liebe." Given the larger context, I actually settled on the plural "affections," which seemed better suited in English than the singular. So even though I didn't adopt "devotion," your comment was very helpful.
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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