gesichtslos
faceless
Having no recognizable or clearly defined face.
EXAMPLE
Die gesichtslose Gestalt stand reglos im Schatten.
The faceless figure stood motionless in the shadows.
gesichtslos
faceless
gesichtslos – gesichtsloser – am gesichtslosesten
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Meanings
gesichtslos
faceless
Lacking personal features, individuality, or a distinctive character; impersonal and interchangeable.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Wohnsiedlung wirkt kalt und gesichtslos.
The new housing development seems cold and faceless.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry gesichtslos, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | gesichtslos |
|---|---|
| comparative | gesichtsloser |
| superlative | am gesichtslosesten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gesichtslos.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gesichtslos.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to gesichtslos.
Usage tips
Word formation
'gesichtslos' (faceless) is made up of 'Gesicht' (face) and '-los' (-less). The ending '-los' shows that something is missing or absent.
EXAMPLE
Im Nebel erschien eine gesichtslose Gestalt am Fenster.
A faceless figure appeared at the window in the fog.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'gesichtslos' (faceless) is often used with words such as 'Gestalt' (figure), 'Figur' (figure), or 'Maske' (mask). The context then usually describes a person or form whose face cannot be recognized.
EXAMPLE
Die gesichtslose Figur auf dem Gemälde machte ihr Angst.
The faceless figure in the painting frightened her.
Figurative use
With abstract or social topics, 'gesichtslos' (faceless) is often used figuratively. Words such as 'Architektur' (architecture), 'Wohnsiedlung' (housing development), 'Masse' (mass), or 'Bürokratie' (bureaucracy) often indicate that a lack of individuality is meant.
EXAMPLE
Viele fanden die gesichtslose Architektur des neuen Viertels bedrückend.
Many people found the faceless architecture of the new neighborhood oppressive.
Compare with
gesichtslos vs anonym
anonymous
A housing development can feel both “anonym” and “gesichtslos”. Here, “anonym” emphasizes the impersonal nature of living alongside others without personal contact. “Gesichtslos” highlights the development's lack of a distinctive character of its own. The choice depends on which impression you want to criticize.
gesichtslos
Die Wohnsiedlung wirkt gesichtslos, weil alle Häuser gleich aussehen.
The housing development feels faceless because all the houses look the same.
anonym
Die Wohnsiedlung wirkt anonym, weil die Nachbarn kaum Kontakt miteinander haben.
The housing development feels impersonal because the neighbors have little contact with one another.
In real life
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