modesty
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modesty
The quality of not putting one's own abilities and successes in the foreground and of not having exaggerated demands.
Trotz seines Reichtums war er für seine große Bescheidenheit bekannt.
Despite his wealth, he was known for his great modesty.
The word is derived from the adjective 'bescheiden' (modest). The ending '-heit' is a typical German suffix that turns adjectives into feminine nouns describing a quality or state.
Seine Bescheidenheit macht ihn sehr sympathisch.
His modesty makes him very likable.
As an abstract noun, 'Bescheidenheit' (modesty) is used almost exclusively in the singular. The plural 'Bescheidenheiten' is extremely rare and is not used in normal speech.
Bescheidenheit ist eine Tugend.
Modesty is a virtue.
To express the reason for an action, the fixed phrase 'aus Bescheidenheit' (out of modesty) is often used. It describes that someone does or does not do something out of reserve or restraint.
Er lehnte das Lob aus reiner Bescheidenheit ab.
He refused the praise out of pure modesty.
When talking about a simple lifestyle, 'Bescheidenheit' (modesty) is very often combined with the preposition 'in'. The phrase is then 'in Bescheidenheit leben' (to live in modesty) or 'in Bescheidenheit aufwachsen' (to grow up in modesty).
Obwohl sie reich waren, erzogen sie ihre Kinder in Bescheidenheit.
Although they were rich, they raised their children in modesty.
luxury
'der Luxus' and 'die Bescheidenheit' are often opposites when it comes to lifestyle and expectations. 'Luxus' means expensive or especially pleasant things that you do not necessarily need. It can also mean something that is very nice but not something to be taken for granted. 'Bescheidenheit' fits more with a simple life or an attitude without great demands. If you want to remember the difference: luxury shows a lot of comfort and effort, while modesty shows restraint and simplicity.
Trotz seines Erfolgs bleibt er bei seiner Bescheidenheit und lebt sehr einfach.
Despite his success, he remains modest and lives very simply.
Ein eigenes Bad im Hotel war für die Familie ein kleiner Luxus.
Having their own bathroom in the hotel was a small luxury for the family.