Selbstzufriedenheit

self-satisfaction, complacency

noun ZELPT-tsoo-free-den-heyt Rare

Usage Note

Selbstzufriedenheit can be mildly positive (healthy contentment with oneself) or critical (smug complacency that blocks growth). Context usually signals which sense is meant; the critical sense is more frequent in written German.

Examples

"Selbstzufriedenheit ist der größte Feind des Lernens."

Natural Translation

Complacency is the greatest enemy of learning.

Literal Translation

Self-satisfaction is the greatest enemy of learning.

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