gentleman
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gentleman
A man who is characterized by polite, considerate, and honorable behavior.
Er hielt ihr die Tür auf und half ihr in den Mantel – ein echter Gentleman der alten Schule.
He held the door open for her and helped her into her coat — a true old-school gentleman.
'Gentleman' is a word borrowed directly from English. In German, it is used with the same basic meaning of politeness and good manners, and it is usually pronounced in the English way as well.
Er benimmt sich wie ein Gentleman und ist bei allen beliebt.
He behaves like a gentleman and is liked by everyone.
The word is often used in fixed combinations to describe behavior. Typical phrases are 'ein echter Gentleman' (a true gentleman), 'ein Gentleman der alten Schule' (an old-school gentleman), or the statement 'ganz der Gentleman sein' (to be every inch a gentleman).
Er half ihr mit dem schweren Koffer, ganz der Gentleman.
He helped her with the heavy suitcase, every inch a gentleman.
The meaning 'Mann von hohem Stand' (man of high status) is used almost only in historical or literary contexts that refer to British society. In everyday language, the behavioral meaning is always intended.
Der Roman beschreibt das Leben eines englischen Gentleman im viktorianischen Zeitalter.
The novel describes the life of an English gentleman in the Victorian era.
gentleman / Mr.
'der Herr' and 'der Gentleman' can both refer to a man, but they do not fit in the same situations. 'Herr' is often used as a formal form of address or as a polite term for a man, especially with a name: 'Herr Müller'. 'Gentleman' describes more how a man behaves: politely, attentively, and respectfully. Learners may confuse the words because both sound polite. In practice: for forms of address, you say 'Herr'; for especially good manners, 'Gentleman' is more likely.
Nach der Arbeit hält Tom einer älteren Frau die Tür auf wie ein echter Gentleman.
After work, Tom holds the door open for an elderly woman like a true gentleman.
Die Kundin fragt den Herrn am Empfang nach dem Weg zum Büro.
The customer asks the gentleman at reception for directions to the office.