ehrlich
honest
Telling the truth and sincere in character; not lying, cheating, or stealing.
EXAMPLE
Ein ehrlicher Freund sagt dir auch dann die Wahrheit, wenn sie unangenehm ist.
An honest friend tells you the truth even when it is unpleasant.
ehrlich
honest
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Meanings
ehrlich gesagt
honestly speaking
A fixed expression used to introduce an open and direct opinion; it means something like 'frankly speaking' or 'to tell the truth.'
EXAMPLE
Ehrlich gesagt, gefällt mir das neue Design überhaupt nicht.
Honestly speaking, I don't like the new design at all.
ehrlich
honest
Refers to things and describes them as solid, genuine, and of good, lasting quality.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein einfacher, aber ehrlicher Wein aus der Region.
This is a simple but honest wine from the region.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'ehrlich' (honest) is derived from 'die Ehre' (honor). Someone who is 'ehrlich' therefore acts in a way that preserves their honor. The ending '-lich' turns the noun into an adjective.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein Mann von großer Ehre.
He is a man of great honor.
Sentence structure
The expression 'ehrlich gesagt' (honestly speaking) usually appears at the beginning of a sentence and is separated by a comma. The conjugated verb of the main clause then follows directly after the comma in position 2.
EXAMPLE
Ehrlich gesagt, habe ich das Buch noch nicht gelesen.
Honestly speaking, I haven't read the book yet.
Use as an adverb
'Ehrlich' (honestly) can also be used as an adverb to describe a verb. It then means 'in an honest way.' Typical combinations are 'ehrlich antworten' (to answer honestly), 'etwas ehrlich zugeben' (to honestly admit something), or 'etwas ehrlich meinen' (to sincerely mean something).
EXAMPLE
Bitte antworte mir ehrlich: Gefällt dir das Geschenk?
Please answer me honestly: Do you like the gift?
Context clue
When 'ehrlich' (honest) describes things, it means 'solid,' 'authentic,' or 'unadulterated.' This meaning is often used for products associated with craftsmanship and tradition, such as 'ehrliche Arbeit' (honest work), 'ehrliches Handwerk' (honest craftsmanship), or 'ehrliche Küche' (honest cooking).
EXAMPLE
In diesem Restaurant gibt es noch ehrliche Hausmannskost.
This restaurant still serves honest home-style cooking.
Compare with
ehrlich vs echt
real / really
When talking about feelings and reactions, echt and ehrlich can both express sincerity. Echt emphasizes that a feeling is genuine and not merely acted, while ehrlich focuses more strongly on someone telling the truth or not pretending. Echt often fits a feeling, while ehrlich usually fits a statement.
ehrlich
Ihre Antwort, dass sie sich über das Geschenk freute, war ehrlich.
Her answer that she was happy about the gift was honest.
echt
Ihre Freude über das Geschenk war echt und nicht nur gespielt.
Her joy at the gift was genuine and not merely acted.
In real life
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