condescending
Loading your saved state.
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.
arrogant
Arrogant describes the general attitude or overall manner of a person who considers themselves better than others. Herablassend refers especially to the way someone treats another person, making them feel less important or intelligent. Herablassend behavior can therefore come across as arrogant.
Als die Chefin einem Mitarbeiter eine einfache Aufgabe erklärt, spricht sie herablassend mit ihm.
When the manager explains a simple task to an employee, she speaks to him in a condescending manner.
Im gesamten Gespräch wirkt die Chefin arrogant, weil sie sich allen überlegen zeigt.
Throughout the conversation, the manager comes across as arrogant because she acts as though she is superior to everyone.
