nobleman
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nobleman
A man who belongs to the nobility by birth, especially to the lower nobility. Today, the term is mainly used historically.
Im Mittelalter musste ein Edelmann seinem Lehnsherrn die Treue schwören.
In the Middle Ages, a nobleman had to swear loyalty to his liege lord.
The word is made up of 'edel' (noble, of high rank) and 'Mann' (man). So it literally describes an 'edler Mann' (noble man).
Er stammt von einem alten Edelmann ab.
He is descended from an old nobleman.
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. If the sentence refers to a historical period such as the Middle Ages, it means the nobleman. If it is about a person's character in the present, it means an honorable man.
Der Edelmann lebte im Mittelalter auf seiner Burg.
The nobleman lived in his castle in the Middle Ages.
This meaning is used almost exclusively in historical contexts, for example in books, films, or documentaries about the Middle Ages or the early modern period.
In Romanen über das 18. Jahrhundert ist der Held oft ein junger Edelmann.
In novels about the 18th century, the hero is often a young nobleman.
In the figurative meaning, the word is often combined with 'wahr' (true) or 'echt' (real). A very common expression is also 'sich verhalten wie ein Edelmann' (to behave like a nobleman).
Er hat ihr ohne Zögern geholfen – ein wahrer Edelmann.
He helped her without hesitation — a true nobleman.
knight
'der Ritter' and 'der Edelmann' overlap especially in historical texts. Both can be connected with nobility and honorable behavior. However, 'der Ritter' is above all a medieval warrior or an honorary title. 'Der Edelmann' more often means a man who belongs to the nobility by birth; he does not have to be a fighter. Figuratively, both can describe an honorable man, but 'Edelmann' sounds more elevated and old-fashioned in this use. The words can be confused because many knights were also noble. Remember: 'Ritter' emphasizes fighting, service, or a title; 'Edelmann' emphasizes origin or noble character.
Der Edelmann lebte auf einem großen Gut und gehörte zu einer alten Familie.
The nobleman lived on a large estate and belonged to an old family.
Der König machte den tapferen Soldaten zum Ritter.
The king made the brave soldier a knight.