gentleman
der Gentleman, die Gentlemen
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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
Historically, or in reference to British culture, a man of high social status and from a good family.
Im 19. Jahrhundert war es für einen englischen Gentleman undenkbar, einer körperlichen Arbeit nachzugehen.
In the 19th century, it was unthinkable for an English gentleman to do manual labor.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gentlemen |
| genitive | des Gentlemans |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Gentleman | die Gentlemen |
| accusative | den Gentleman | die Gentlemen |
| dative | dem Gentleman | den Gentlemen |
| genitive | des Gentlemans | der Gentlemen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'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.
stand-up guy / man of honor
Gentleman and Ehrenmann praise a man for his behavior. Gentleman emphasizes polite, considerate, and refined conduct. In modern colloquial language, Ehrenmann particularly highlights a fair, loyal, or decent action.
Er begrüßt alle Gäste aufmerksam und höflich wie ein echter Gentleman.
He greets all the guests attentively and politely, like a true gentleman.
Er hält trotz eigener Nachteile sein Versprechen und ist ein echter Ehrenmann.
Despite the disadvantages to himself, he keeps his promise and is a true stand-up guy.
