getreu
faithful
Loyal and reliably committed to someone or something; faithful. The adjective is often used with a dative object.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist ihren Idealen immer getreu geblieben.
She has always remained faithful to her ideals.
getreu
faithful / true to
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Meanings
getreu
true to
Exactly corresponding to a model, original, or description; realistic.
EXAMPLE
Der Film ist eine getreue Darstellung des historischen Ereignisses.
The film is a true-to-life depiction of the historical event.
getreu dem Motto
true to the motto
Following a particular maxim, guiding principle, or rule.
EXAMPLE
Getreu dem Motto „Der Kunde ist König“ bemühte sich der Verkäufer sehr.
True to the motto 'The customer is king,' the salesperson made a great effort.
Usage tips
Word family
'Getreu' (faithful / true to) is a more formal and often stronger variant of 'treu' (faithful). Both words belong to the word family around 'die Treue' (loyalty).
EXAMPLE
Er war ein treuer Freund in schweren Zeiten.
He was a loyal friend in difficult times.
Dative construction
When 'getreu' (faithful) expresses loyalty, the noun to which someone is faithful is in the dative. A typical construction is 'jemandem/etwas getreu bleiben' (to remain faithful to someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Der alte Diener blieb seinem Herrn bis zum Ende getreu.
The old servant remained faithful to his master until the end.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'exakt entsprechend' (exactly corresponding), 'getreu' (true to) is often combined with nouns that describe an image or reproduction. Typical examples are 'eine getreue Kopie' (an exact copy) or 'eine getreue Darstellung' (a faithful depiction).
EXAMPLE
Das Museum stellt eine getreue Nachbildung des alten Stadttores aus.
The museum is exhibiting a faithful reproduction of the old city gate.
Fixed expression
The expression 'getreu dem Motto' (true to the motto) introduces a sentence and explains the motivation for an action. The noun 'Motto' is always in the dative here.
EXAMPLE
Getreu dem Motto „Weniger ist mehr“ hat sie ihre Wohnung sehr minimalistisch eingerichtet.
True to the motto 'Less is more,' she furnished her apartment in a very minimalist way.
Compare with
getreu vs treu
loyal / faithful
Treu and getreu can both express a lasting, reliable bond. Getreu is especially often used with a dative and highlights reliably remaining committed to a particular person or thing. Treu is generally suitable for the same kind of bond.
getreu
Auch nach dem Abstieg blieb sie ihrem Verein getreu.
Even after relegation, she remained loyal to her club.
treu
Auch nach dem Abstieg blieb sie ihrem Verein treu.
Even after relegation, she remained loyal to her club.
In real life
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