German word

sozial

Pronunciation

IPA/zoˈtsi̯aːl/

Meaning

  • adjectivesocial

Example

Viele Menschen brauchen soziale Kontakte.

Many people need social connections.

Illustration for sozial (social)

More examples

Im Alltag spielen soziale Medien eine große Rolle.

In everyday life, social media play a major role.

Core concept

People linked by support, from a helpful person to services and institutions.

Common phrases

  • soziale Kontakte

    social relationships

  • soziale Medien

    social media

  • soziale Verantwortung

    social responsibility

Similar words

freundlich: Warm and easy to approach, with a kind manner.
hilfsbereit: Ready to offer help to someone facing difficulty.
empathisch: Able to understand and share in other people's feelings.

Definition in German

Ein Adjektiv für persönliche Eigenschaften, institutionelle Angebote oder gesellschaftliche Strukturen, die gegenseitige Unterstützung betreffen

Word origin

German sozial is a learned borrowing from Latin socialis, meaning connected or companionable, which comes from socius, meaning companion or ally.

Usage tips

  • In jemand ist sozial, sozial often means considerate or helpful, while English social more often concerns interaction or society generally.

Other meanings

  • charitableadjective

Opposites

  • asozialantisocialadjective
  • egoistischegoisticadjective

Related words

  • sozialisiertsocializedadjective
  • Sozialkompetenzsocial competencenoun

Word lists with this word