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.
'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.
concern / consideration
'das Bedenken' and 'der Anstand' can overlap in an old or rare meaning: both can have to do with hesitation or uncertainty before taking action. Today, people almost always use 'Bedenken' for this, especially in the plural: you have 'Bedenken' when you have doubts or concerns about something. In modern German, 'Anstand' normally means decency or good manners. The meaning 'hesitation' is dated and sounds unusual today. For German learners, the important point is: when it is about doubts or concerns, 'Bedenken' is the natural word.
In alten Texten kann „Anstand“ ein Zögern vor einer Entscheidung bedeuten.
In old texts, 'Anstand' can mean hesitation before making a decision.
Vor dem Umzug hat sie noch einige Bedenken wegen der hohen Miete.
Before moving, she still has some concerns about the high rent.