noble / aristocratic
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aristocratic
Belonging to an aristocratic family or the nobility, a historically privileged social class.
Er stammt aus einer alten adeligen Familie mit einem Schloss in Bayern.
He comes from an old aristocratic family with a castle in Bavaria.
noble
In a figurative sense: very refined, elegant, or noble in appearance or behavior.
Sie hatte eine adelige Haltung und eine sehr gewählte Ausdrucksweise.
She had a noble bearing and a very refined way of speaking.
The adjective 'adelig' (noble/aristocratic) is derived directly from the noun 'der Adel' (the nobility). The nobility was a historically important and privileged social class.
Die Familie gehört seit Jahrhunderten zum deutschen Adel.
The family has belonged to the German nobility for centuries.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about origin, family, or titles, the historical meaning is intended. If it is about appearance, behavior, or style, the figurative, elegant meaning is intended.
Er hat einen adeligen Namen und ein altes Wappen.
He has an aristocratic name and an old coat of arms.
In a historical context, 'adelig' is often combined with terms such as 'adelige Herkunft' (aristocratic background), 'adeliger Titel' (noble title), or 'adeliges Geschlecht' (noble family/lineage).
Sie forscht über die Geschichte eines alten adeligen Geschlechts.
She is researching the history of an old noble lineage.
In the figurative meaning, 'adelig' often describes appearance. Typical combinations are 'adelige Haltung' (noble bearing), 'adeliges Benehmen' (noble manners), or the classic 'adelige Blässe' (aristocratic pallor).
Trotz der einfachen Kleidung hatte sie eine adelige Haltung.
Despite the simple clothing, she had a noble bearing.
noble / fine
Edel and adelig can both describe a distinguished or elegant appearance. Edel emphasizes the refined, high-quality impression. Adelig compares someone’s appearance or behavior figuratively to the way people from the aristocracy carry themselves.
Mit ihrer aufrechten Haltung und dem vornehmen Auftreten wirkte sie fast adelig.
With her upright posture and distinguished manner, she looked almost aristocratic.
In dem fein verarbeiteten Seidenkleid wirkte sie sehr edel.
She looked very refined in the finely crafted silk dress.
