civil
In a polite, decent, and cultured manner; not rude or coarse in dealing with others.
EXAMPLE
Auch bei Meinungsverschiedenheiten sollten wir einen civilen Umgangston wahren.
Even when we disagree, we should maintain a civil tone.
civil
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Meanings
civil
civilian
Civilian; not military or ecclesiastical. Refers to civic life and its affairs.
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner langen Dienstzeit bei der Armee fiel ihm die Rückkehr ins civile Leben schwer.
After his long period of service in the army, he found it difficult to return to civilian life.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'civil' from the context. If it appears with words like 'Umgang' (interaction), 'Ton' (tone), or 'Debatte' (debate), it means 'polite.' In connection with 'Leben' (life) or 'Beruf' (profession), it means 'non-military.'
EXAMPLE
Trotz des Streits blieben alle Beteiligten civil.
Despite the argument, everyone involved remained civil.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'polite,' 'civil' is often used in fixed expressions, for example 'ein civiler Umgangston' (a civil tone) or 'eine civile Auseinandersetzung' (a civil dispute).
EXAMPLE
Ich erwarte von Ihnen eine civile Diskussion ohne persönliche Angriffe.
I expect a civil discussion from you without personal attacks.
Register and style
The word 'civil' in the sense of 'polite' belongs more to elevated or formal language. It is often used to emphasize cultured and respectful interaction.
EXAMPLE
Der Professor bat die Studenten, in der Debatte einen civilen Ton zu wahren.
The professor asked the students to maintain a civil tone in the debate.
In real life
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