affectation / airs
das Gehabe
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affectation
Conspicuous, often exaggerated or affected behavior with which someone wants to create a particular impression.
Sein arrogantes Gehabe geht den Kollegen inzwischen ziemlich auf die Nerven.
His arrogant airs are really starting to annoy his colleagues.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Gehabes |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Gehabe | – |
| accusative | das Gehabe | – |
| dative | dem Gehabe | – |
| genitive | des Gehabes | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Gehabe' (affectation / airs) normally expresses a negative evaluation. When someone describes a person's behavior this way, they are often showing annoyance or making fun of them, so the word is unsuitable as a neutral description.
Die anderen machten sich über sein Gehabe lustig.
The others made fun of his airs.
Common collocations include 'arrogantes Gehabe' (arrogant airs), 'theatralisches Gehabe' (theatrical affectation), and 'machohaftes Gehabe' (macho behavior). The adjective shows which aspect of the behavior is particularly noticeable.
Mit seinem machohaften Gehabe machte er sich bei den Gästen unbeliebt.
With his macho behavior, he made himself unpopular with the guests.
The fixed expression 'ohne großes Gehabe' (without making a fuss) describes how someone does something without putting themselves in the spotlight. This often gives the behavior a positive evaluation.
Sie übernahm ohne großes Gehabe die Verantwortung und kümmerte sich um das Problem.
Without making a fuss, she took responsibility and dealt with the problem.
