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freudenfreude

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
freudenfreude

Freudenfreude is the psychological and emotional experience of feeling genuine joy or happiness for someone else’s success or good fortune. It is the direct antonym of "schadenfreude," which is the pleasure derived from another person's misfortune. The mental image is one of a shared celebration, where your own happiness expands because you are witnessing the triumph of a friend or loved one. This term is a relatively recent addition to the English lexicon, often used in psychological or sociological contexts to describe healthy, prosocial behavior. It is considered a cornerstone of strong relationships, as it implies a lack of envy and a capacity for empathy. While the word is not yet common in daily casual conversation, it is frequently used in discussions regarding emotional intelligence and positive psychology.

In conversation

Celebrating a friend's promotion

I just got the offer for the lead designer role!

I just got the offer for the lead designer role!

That is incredible news! I'm feeling pure freudenfreude for you right now.

That is incredible news! I'm feeling pure freudenfreude for you right now.

Used to explicitly highlight the speaker's positive emotional response to a friend's success.

Discussing relationship dynamics

I think our friendship works because we both practice freudenfreude.

I think our friendship works because we both practice freudenfreude.

Exactly, no jealousy, just support.

Exactly, no jealousy, just support.

Used in a more analytical way to describe a healthy habit between friends.

Examples

  1. She felt a deep sense of freudenfreude when her sister won the award.

    She felt a deep sense of freudenfreude when her sister won the award.

  2. Cultivating freudenfreude is essential for maintaining strong, long-term professional partnerships.

    Cultivating freudenfreude is essential for maintaining strong, long-term professional partnerships.

  3. Unlike the petty bitterness often found in competitive circles, their dynamic was defined by a profound capacity for freudenfreude.

    Unlike the petty bitterness often found in competitive circles, their dynamic was defined by a profound capacity for freudenfreude.

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