Luck: what does that actually mean?

Happiness is something that everyone probably wants. In German, as in other languages, there are countless expressions, exclamations and proverbs about happiness. And that although this word has no clear meaning whatsoever. Because what is happiness? In German it designates several things, but no designation is really concrete. This article takes a closer look at that.

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Luck vs. Happiness - the same in Germany

There are situations in which authors in Germany want to hit their heads hard on the tabletop. For example, if you want your character to “look mischievously”. In English, that's a clear single word: smirking. And the English-speaking nations are also happier when it comes to the topic of happiness, because they have their ›luck‹ and their ›happiness‹. But what does that mean in concrete terms?


Luck - Being lucky, wishing someone luck - that's typical luck. In Germany, of course, it's luck, but that doesn't hit the nail on the head enough. Someone is lucky if they have won the lottery, and if you have an interview, you are wished luck. One can be happy, but it is only meant for a brief moment that does not reflect general satisfaction. So a seriously ill person can be happy to sit in the park. But is he satisfied? Here, too, the English is more precise: I'm lucky ... means something else than: I'm happy.


Happiness - It looks like this in German. What is meant is satisfaction, which is not based on the word happiness. This state has something to do with happiness at best, because it is about general life satisfaction. It never depends on luck. Even the unlucky person who doesn't miss any mishap can be satisfied. Whereas even the one who is the greatest Lotto chance of winning can use for himself, is obviously lucky, but could be absolutely dissatisfied with himself for his life.


So happiness and contentment are not the same, although they can sometimes be related.

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What makes us happy

Some things automatically make us happy. There is simply a physical process behind the feeling, because the brain secretes happiness hormones that lift the mood for a certain period of time. Incidentally, the first warm ray of sunshine in spring can be the cause. But there are other examples, of course, although they are general and guaranteed not to apply to everyone. Surveys have shown that for us health, partnership, family, other people, tasks and children are clearly more important than success, friends and money, although the question is again not clear which form is actually meant. This is also not the case with the results of happiness researchers:

  • partnership - She is the happiness maker, whereby marriage makes a little happier.
  • Children- Having one's own children is considered a principle of happiness.
  • Berufung- Concretely, it doesn't just mean work. It's about a fulfilling activity that makes sense to you.
  • Socializing / friends - A good circle of friends, sociable gatherings, corporate enthusiasm are important reasons.
Happiness researchers came up with these points, but they leave it open whether they specifically address happiness or satisfaction. All of these points also count in satisfaction, which is ultimately expanded by the fulfillment of basic needs (living space, food, health).

But there are also other happiness makers:

  • Chocolate - the black gold is known to properly raise the serotonin level and make you happy quickly. But the enjoyment shouldn't get out of hand.
  • Sexual intercourse - better said: the orgasm.
  • Thrill - If the pure adrenaline flows through your veins, the dopamine and serotonin surge will soon set in. Incidentally, thrills activate the same areas in the brain as drugs.
  • coziness - if you treat yourself to the me-time and make yourself really comfortable, let your mind wander and just do what you like, you will be happy at least for a short time.
  • Small gifts - it's really about the little touches that we are all so happy about. Every gift is a happiness maker.

Why satisfaction is more important than permanent happiness

The feeling of happiness is actually nothing more than the hormones running at full speed. So it doesn't really make sense to just strive for eternal happiness, because whoever is always happy needs more of it and can no longer perceive simple things as happiness. Especially when it comes to lottery winnings, it is easy to see that money alone is not the solution either. That would also be surprising, because the happiness compass does not only include the richest countries. But why is satisfaction actually the means to success?

  • Permanent condition - if you are satisfied, you generally have the desire, chance and muse to pick up small portions of happiness in addition.
  • basic needs - As a rule, all basic needs are satisfied when general satisfaction arises.
  • Health - those who are satisfied are healthier in the long run. It has long been proven that negative thoughts, depression, sleep disorders and all the worries that can weigh on us have a decisive influence on our health.
  • Glück - how? Now yes? Of course, because those who are satisfied will also find happiness and be happy. However, it is the little luck, like the sunbeam mentioned or sometimes a nice, unexpected conversation.
Perhaps everyone should observe themselves and see exactly how the word luck is actually used. The focus must be on satisfaction, because it is what ultimately makes you happy. If the hoped-for profit finally comes on top of that, luck was at least once on your side.

Conclusion - forget happiness, achieve satisfaction

Everyone can be lucky, wish themselves luck or be happy. But satisfaction is much more important, because it describes a permanent and real state that is worth striving for. And satisfaction does not necessarily depend on success or a lot of money, because those who are satisfied with themselves have already achieved part of their satisfaction. Nevertheless, happiness can stay in life, as long as it is not measured by the standards with which it is usually associated: profits, victories, money and success. Because: A success based on luck can never be a success.


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