01
dreist
brazen
Bold or demanding in an impertinent and disrespectful way; cheeky.
example
Es war wirklich dreist von ihm, sich in der Schlange einfach vorzudrängeln.
It was really brazen of him to simply push ahead in the line.
dreist
brazen
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Meanings
Usage tips
Sentence structure with 'von'
A very typical construction with 'dreist' (brazen) is: 'Es ist dreist von' + person in the dative + ', etwas zu tun' (to do something). This expresses whose behavior is perceived as impertinent.
EXAMPLE
Es ist dreist von dir, das einfach zu nehmen, ohne zu fragen.
It is brazen of you to just take that without asking.
Typical collocations
'Dreist' (brazen) often describes actions or statements that are perceived as disrespectful. Common combinations are 'eine dreiste Lüge' (a brazen lie), 'eine dreiste Forderung' (a brazen demand), or 'eine dreiste Antwort' (a brazen answer).
EXAMPLE
Seine dreiste Forderung nach mehr Geld wurde sofort abgelehnt.
His brazen demand for more money was rejected immediately.
Strong negative judgment
The word 'dreist' (brazen) is not a neutral description, but always expresses a strongly negative judgment and indignation. You use it when you condemn behavior as impertinent and disrespectful.
EXAMPLE
Die dreiste Art, wie er mit seinen Kollegen spricht, ist inakzeptabel.
The brazen way he talks to his colleagues is unacceptable.
Compare with
dreist vs höflich
polite
'höflich' and 'dreist' both describe behavior toward other people, but they are clear opposites. Someone who is 'höflich' (polite) shows respect and pays attention to other people’s feelings. Someone who is 'dreist' (brazen) demands something in a cheeky or disrespectful way and often crosses a line. 'Höflich' fits when someone asks kindly or reacts calmly. 'Dreist' fits when someone takes too many liberties or asks for something without shame.
dreist
Im Kurs ist er dreist und nimmt einfach den Platz einer anderen Person.
In the course, he is brazen and simply takes another person’s seat.
höflich
Im Büro bleibt Frau Müller höflich, weil der Kunde sehr nervös ist.
At the office, Ms. Müller remains polite because the customer is very nervous.
In real life
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