01
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
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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.
Compare with
civil vs militärisch
military
'militärisch' and 'civil' are opposites when 'civil' is meant in the sense of 'zivil' (civilian). 'militärisch' refers to the army, soldiers, or war. 'civil' then means civic or civilian life, that is, areas that are not military. This contrast is not about the meaning 'polite', which 'civil' can also have, but about the difference between the military and the civilian sphere.
civil
Im Bericht wird zwischen militärischen und civil Aufgaben unterschieden.
The report distinguishes between military and civil tasks.
militärisch
Die militärische Übung fand weit außerhalb der Stadt statt.
The military exercise took place far outside the city.
In real life
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