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selbstlos

selfless

adjective ZELPST-lohs Less Common

Origin: from Selbst (self) + -los (without)

Also means

unselfish

Usage Note

selbstlos praises putting others before oneself: selbstlose Hingabe (selfless devotion). It is the opposite of selbstsüchtig and egoistisch. Often applied to caregivers, volunteers and acts of sacrifice.

Examples

"Sie half den Flüchtlingen völlig selbstlos."

Natural Translation

She helped the refugees completely selflessly.

Literal Translation

She helped the refugees completely selfless.

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