humble / submissive
Loading your saved state.
humble
Modest and reserved in manner, without pride or arrogance. It describes an attitude in which one does not overestimate one's own importance.
Trotz seines großen Erfolgs blieb der Wissenschaftler stets demütig und dankbar.
Despite his great success, the scientist always remained humble and grateful.
submissive
Showing oneself as submissive or yielding, often from a position of weakness or out of reverence.
Der Bittsteller verbeugte sich demütig vor dem König und bat um Gnade.
The petitioner bowed submissively before the king and asked for mercy.
The adjective 'demütig' (humble / submissive) is derived from the noun 'die Demut', which means 'humility' or 'submission'. If you know the noun, you can more easily infer the meaning of the adjective.
Sie nahm den Preis mit großer Demut entgegen.
She accepted the award with great humility.
The meaning of 'demütig' (humble / submissive) depends strongly on the context. In connection with success or gratitude, it is positive (humble). In situations with a clear hierarchy or power imbalance, it can also sound negative or submissive.
Er nahm die Auszeichnung demütig entgegen.
He humbly accepted the award.
In its positive meaning, 'demütig' (humble) often describes a conscious attitude. Typical phrases are 'demütig bleiben' (to remain humble), 'demütig sein' (to be humble), or 'eine demütige Haltung zeigen' (to show a humble attitude).
Er ist trotz seines Reichtums ein sehr demütiger Mensch geblieben.
Despite his wealth, he has remained a very humble person.
modest
Bescheiden and demütig both describe a person who is not arrogant. Bescheiden usually neutrally indicates that someone does not emphasize their own achievements. Demütig is stronger and emphasizes an inner attitude in which someone consciously does not overestimate their own importance.
Lea nahm den Preis demütig entgegen und betonte, wie klein ihr eigener Anteil war.
Lea accepted the award humbly and emphasized how small her own contribution had been.
Lea nahm den Preis bescheiden entgegen und lobte ihr Team.
Lea accepted the award modestly and praised her team.
