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 frech
cheeky / impertinent
Frech and dreist can both describe disrespectful or insolent behavior. Frech, however, can seem less serious or even playful and charming. Dreist emphasizes stronger, blatant insolence, especially in demanding behavior.
dreist
Der Kunde verlangt dreist einen zusätzlichen Rabatt, obwohl er die Ware selbst beschädigt hat.
The customer brazenly demands an additional discount even though he damaged the goods himself.
frech
Der Kunde fragt frech, aber lächelnd nach einem zusätzlichen Rabatt.
The customer cheekily asks for an additional discount, but with a smile.
In real life
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