hypocrite
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hypocrite
A person who pretends to have moral values or beliefs that they do not actually have, and who acts differently from what they say.
Er kritisiert andere für ihren Lebensstil, fährt aber selbst ein riesiges Auto – was für ein Heuchler.
He criticizes others for their lifestyle, but drives a huge car himself—what a hypocrite.
The noun 'der Heuchler' (hypocrite) belongs to the word family of 'heucheln' (to pretend / feign something). The related adjective is 'heuchlerisch' (hypocritical).
Sein Verhalten ist absolut heuchlerisch.
His behavior is absolutely hypocritical.
The word 'Heuchler' (hypocrite) is a very strong, negative label for a person. It should be used with caution, as it is a direct moral condemnation.
Er nannte den Politiker vor laufender Kamera einen Heuchler.
He called the politician a hypocrite on live camera.
'Heuchler' (hypocrite) is often used as an exclamation or in a direct accusation. A typical phrase is 'Was für ein Heuchler!' (What a hypocrite!).
Er predigt Wasser und trinkt Wein. Was für ein Heuchler!
He preaches water and drinks wine. What a hypocrite!
actor
'der Schauspieler' and 'der Heuchler' can both describe a dishonest person, but the focus is different. A 'Schauspieler' in the figurative sense generally pretends or fakes feelings. A 'Heuchler' acts as if he has certain values or beliefs, but behaves differently. 'Heuchler' is therefore more strongly morally negative. If someone is only pretending to be in a certain mood, 'Schauspieler' can fit. If someone appears proper and good on the outside but acts differently, 'Heuchler' is more precise.
Sie nennt ihn einen Heuchler, weil er immer von Fairness spricht und selbst unfair handelt.
She calls him a hypocrite because he always talks about fairness but acts unfairly himself.
Bei der Entschuldigung klang er wie ein Schauspieler, weil seine Worte nicht ehrlich wirkten.
During the apology, he sounded like an actor because his words did not seem honest.