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HabseligkeitenGerman word, usually used in its plural form (Habseligkeiten). The word consists of two parts, "hab" and "seligkeit". The former stems from "haben" (to have), signifying that the word refers to belongings. The latter refers to a feeling of happiness or bliss that has religious connotations as well: to be "selig" is to be blessed. Together, the word refers to belongings that have little material but enormous emotional value, usually because they are connected to fond memories, e.g. of a loved one. The word was chosen as the most beautiful German word in October 2004 in a competition initiated by the Goethe Institute and the Council for the German Language. The nomination points out that the word combines two completely opposite areas of life: worldly belongings and the eternal search for happiness. It argues that this tension causes the observer to feel sympathy towards the owner of such belongings. Often, pity is involved as well, as "Habseligkeiten" are of little value, but also because they are the material shadow of a happy memory, with which they cannot compare favorably.
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