Stolz vs. Hochmut
In German, both Stolz and Hochmut can be translated as pride, but they carry vastly different connotations. While Stolz typically refers to a positive or justified feeling of satisfaction, Hochmut describes a negative and excessive form of pride, better understood as arrogance or hubris.
Stolz
A2This word describes a positive and healthy sense of pride. It is the feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is close, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. It relates to self-respect, dignity, and satisfaction.
Sie ist sehr stolz auf ihren Sohn, weil er die Prüfung bestanden hat.
(She is very proud of her son because he passed the exam.)
Der Handwerker betrachtete sein fertiges Werk mit großem Stolz.
(The craftsman looked at his finished work with great pride.)
Er hat zu viel Stolz, um um Hilfe zu bitten.
(He has too much pride to ask for help.)
Die Athleten waren erfüllt von nationalem Stolz, als sie die Medaillen erhielten.
(The athletes were filled with national pride when they received the medals.)
Trotz der Niederlage verließ die Mannschaft das Feld mit Stolz.
(Despite the defeat, the team left the field with pride.)
Hochmut
B2This word is exclusively negative and translates to arrogance, hubris, or haughtiness. It describes an exaggerated and unreasonable sense of one's own superiority. A person showing Hochmut looks down on others and considers themselves better. It is famously known as one of the seven deadly sins (die sieben Todsünden).
Sein Hochmut und seine Arroganz machen ihn bei seinen Kollegen unbeliebt.
(His hubris and his arrogance make him unpopular with his colleagues.)
Die alte Redewendung lautet: Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.
(The old saying goes: Pride comes before a fall.)
Er begegnete dem Bettler mit unerträglichem Hochmut.
(He treated the beggar with unbearable arrogance.)
In vielen Geschichten wird der Held für seinen Hochmut bestraft.
(In many stories, the hero is punished for his hubris.)
Anstelle von Hochmut sollte man Bescheidenheit und Demut üben.
(Instead of arrogance, one should practice modesty and humility.)
Summary
In essence, the key difference lies in the connotation. Stolz is the positive pride you feel for an accomplishment or a loved one; it's about dignity and self-worth. Hochmut is the negative pride of arrogance and superiority; it's about looking down on others and is considered a serious character flaw.