decency / hesitation
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decency
A sense of good manners and morally correct behavior in society. It describes what is considered proper, respectful, and appropriate.
Er hatte nicht einmal den Anstand, sich für seine Verspätung zu entschuldigen.
He did not even have the decency to apologize for being late.
hesitation
(dated) Hesitation, reservations, or a delay before doing something. This meaning is hardly used today.
Ohne allen Anstand stimmte der Ritter dem gefährlichen Auftrag sofort zu.
Without any hesitation, the knight immediately agreed to the dangerous mission.
'Anstand' (decency) is an abstract noun and describes a concept. It is used almost exclusively in the singular and has no plural form.
Ein Mindestmaß an Anstand sollte jeder Mensch besitzen.
Every person should have a minimum level of decency.
The word is often used in fixed expressions, frequently to criticize a lack of manners. Typical phrases are 'den Anstand haben, etwas zu tun' (to have the decency to do something), 'aus Anstand' (out of decency), or 'gegen den Anstand verstoßen' (to offend against decency).
Er hat nicht einmal den Anstand, Hallo zu sagen.
He does not even have the decency to say hello.
The word is related to the adjective 'anständig' (decent), which describes a person or behavior as morally correct and respectful.
Er ist ein sehr anständiger Mensch, auf den man sich verlassen kann.
He is a very decent person whom you can rely on.
The meaning 'Zögern' (hesitation) or 'Bedenken' (reservations) is dated and is no longer used in modern language. It is found only in historical or literary texts, often in the expression 'ohne Anstand' (without hesitation).
Der Held nahm die Herausforderung ohne Anstand an.
The hero accepted the challenge without hesitation.
morality / morale
Moral encompasses fundamental values and norms concerning what is considered good or wrong. Anstand focuses more on proper, respectful, and socially appropriate behavior. Moral is the appropriate term for comprehensive ethical principles, while Anstand is used more for good manners and consideration for others.
Aus Anstand entschuldigte er sich, nachdem er den Unschuldigen vor allen beleidigt hatte.
Out of decency, he apologized after insulting the innocent person in front of everyone.
Aus moralischer Überzeugung weigerte er sich, einen Unschuldigen zu belügen.
Out of moral conviction, he refused to lie to an innocent person.
