Zuhörung

Zuhörung is a term found in German-language discussions of communication that refers to the deliberate, active practice of listening with the aim of understanding the speaker. It emphasizes attending to content, intention, and emotional state, rather than merely hearing words. The form is related to the standard noun das Zuhören, but some authors use Zuhörung to highlight the processual or interventionist aspect of listening. Because it is not uniformly standardized, usage varies by author and context.

In educational, therapeutic, mediation, and organizational settings, Zuhörung is described as a core listening competency. Practices associated with it include reflective listening, paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and maintaining nonverbal attunement. It is often taught in courses on communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and interpersonal skills as a means to reduce misunderstanding and foster empathy.

Reception and standardization of the term are mixed. The more common and widely recognized term remains Zuhören, which covers the general act of listening. Critics note that Zuhörung can be unclear or redundant given existing concepts like active listening and empathy, and its definition is not universally agreed upon. Nonetheless, proponents cite it as a useful label for emphasizing listening as an intentional practice that can be trained and refined.

See also: Zuhören, Aktives Zuhören, Empathie, Kommunikationspsychologie, Mediation.