German word

Umgang

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊmgaŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nouninteraction

Example

Ihr Umgang mit den Nachbarn ist immer höflich.

Her interaction with the neighbors is always polite.

Illustration for Umgang (interaction)

More examples

Der bewusste Umgang mit digitalen Medien schützt die Psyche.

Mindful handling of digital media protects mental health.

Core concept

A person moving among people and objects while staying in contact and deciding how to deal with each one.

Common phrases

  • Umgang mit digitalen Medien

    handling of digital media

  • angemessener Umgang mit Kollegen

    appropriate treatment of colleagues

  • vertrauter Umgang innerhalb der Familie

    close relations within the family

Similar words

Beziehung: An ongoing human relationship involving closeness or a lasting connection.
Kontakt: A connection with someone through communication or meeting.
Verhalten: The conduct shown in response to other people or situations.
Handhabung: The way an object or tool is used and handled.

Definition in German

Umgang bezeichnet den Kontakt zu anderen sowie die Art, wie man mit Personen oder Dingen umgeht.

Word origin

Umgang combines um, meaning 'around', with Gang, an old noun related to gehen, and developed from the idea of going around to contact and handling.

Usage tips

  • Umgang mit takes the dative, as in Umgang mit den Nachbarn, and the same pattern applies to people and things.

Other meanings

  • handlingnoun
  • treatmentnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Umgangssprachecolloquial languagenoun
  • Umgangsrechtvisitation rightsnoun

Word lists with this word