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charmant
charming
A person or thing that has a friendly, attractive, and engaging effect on others.
example
Er hat ihr auf eine sehr charmante Weise ein Kompliment gemacht.
He gave her a compliment in a very charming way.
charmant
charming
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Charmant' (charming) is a loanword from French. It is directly related to the word 'Charme' (charm) and describes a person or thing that has an attractive, enchanting effect.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein sehr charmanter Gastgeber.
He is a very charming host.
Typical collocations
'Charmant' (charming) is often used to describe people, their smile, or their manner. Typical combinations are 'ein charmanter Mann' (a charming man), 'eine charmante Frau' (a charming woman), 'ein charmantes Lächeln' (a charming smile), or 'eine charmante Art' (a charming manner).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein sehr charmantes Lächeln.
She has a very charming smile.
Ironic use
The word can also be used ironically to politely paraphrase something that is actually negative. In this case, 'charmant' (charming) means the opposite of what it actually says.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ja eine charmante Ausrede für dein Zuspätkommen.
Well, that's a charming excuse for your being late.
Compare with
charmant vs freundlich
friendly
'freundlich' and 'charmant' can both describe that someone has a pleasant effect on others. 'freundlich' is more neutral and means that someone is nice, polite, and helpful. 'charmant' goes further: a person seems not only friendly, but also attractive, engaging, or especially likable. Learners may confuse the words because charming people are often friendly. But 'freundlich' is enough for normal nice behavior. 'charmant' fits when someone easily wins others over with their manner or seems especially pleasant.
charmant
Vor dem Termin begrüßte der Gastgeber die Gäste charmant und nahm ihnen sofort die Unsicherheit.
Before the appointment, the host greeted the guests charmingly and immediately put them at ease.
freundlich
Im Bus fragte er freundlich, ob der Platz noch frei ist.
On the bus, he asked politely whether the seat was still free.
In real life
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