condescending
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condescending
Showing behavior that makes others feel less important, intelligent, or valuable; patronizing and arrogant.
Sie erklärte mir den Weg mit einer herablassenden Geduld, als wäre ich ein kleines Kind.
She explained the way to me with condescending patience, as if I were a small child.
The word is the present participle of the reflexive verb 'sich herablassen' (to condescend). Literally, it means that someone 'lets' themselves 'down' from their high position to someone else, which is perceived as arrogant.
Er hat sich dazu herabgelassen, mit uns zu sprechen.
He condescended to speak with us.
'Herablassend' (condescending) often describes a particular kind of communication or behavior. Typical combinations are: 'ein herablassender Ton' (a condescending tone), 'ein herablassendes Lächeln' (a condescending smile), 'eine herablassende Geste' (a condescending gesture), or 'eine herablassende Art' (a condescending manner).
Sein herablassender Blick machte mich wütend.
His condescending look made me angry.
'Herablassend' (condescendingly) can also be used as an adverb to describe a verb. It then remains unchanged in the sentence. Typical verbs are 'behandeln' (to treat), 'ansehen' (to look at), or 'antworten' (to answer).
Der Beamte behandelte mich sehr herablassend.
The official treated me very condescendingly.
down
'herab' and 'herablassend' are closely related when 'herab' appears in the phrase 'von oben herab' (from above / talking down to someone). Both describe a kind of behavior in which someone makes others seem small. 'herablassend' is an adjective and directly describes a person, a tone, or behavior. 'herab' does not stand alone here, but usually appears in 'von oben herab'. Learners may confuse the words because they look and sound similar. A practical tip: say 'herablassend' when you are describing a quality. Say 'von oben herab' when you are describing the manner of speaking or acting.
Der Kellner antwortet herablassend, als der Gast eine einfache Frage stellt.
The waiter answers condescendingly when the guest asks a simple question.
Sie redete von oben herab, obwohl niemand sie angegriffen hatte.
She spoke down to everyone, even though no one had attacked her.