politeness
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politeness
The quality of showing considerate and respectful behavior toward other people; good manners.
Er ist bekannt für seine außerordentliche Höflichkeit und seinen Charme.
He is known for his extraordinary politeness and charm.
courtesy
A single formal action or expression that is considered polite. Often used in the plural.
Nachdem die üblichen Höflichkeiten ausgetauscht waren, kamen sie direkt zum Geschäft.
After the usual courtesies had been exchanged, they got straight down to business.
'Höflichkeit' (politeness) is the noun related to the adjective 'höflich' (polite). The ending '-keit' is a very common way to form an abstract noun from an adjective that describes a quality.
Er beantwortete die Frage mit der ihm eigenen Höflichkeit.
He answered the question with his characteristic politeness.
When the word is used in the plural ('Höflichkeiten' — courtesies), it almost always refers to concrete, formal actions or phrases, not to the general quality.
Sie tauschten nur kurz die üblichen Höflichkeiten aus und begannen dann mit der Besprechung.
They exchanged only the usual courtesies briefly and then began the meeting.
The phrase 'aus Höflichkeit' (out of politeness) is often used to explain why you do something even though you may not really want to. It expresses a sense of social obligation.
Ich habe das Stück Kuchen aus Höflichkeit gegessen, obwohl ich schon satt war.
I ate the piece of cake out of politeness, even though I was already full.
A fixed expression is 'die Höflichkeit gebietet es' (politeness requires it). It means that good manners require a particular action.
Die Höflichkeit gebietet es, sich für das Geschenk zu bedanken.
Politeness requires that you thank someone for the gift.
behavior / manners
Benehmen and Höflichkeit can both refer to positive behavior toward others. Höflichkeit emphasizes respectful interaction and individual friendly actions, while Benehmen evaluates behavior as a whole. Use Höflichkeit for a gesture and Benehmen for an overall impression.
Aus Höflichkeit hielt er der älteren Dame die Tür auf.
Out of politeness, he held the door open for the elderly lady.
Sein Benehmen beim Empfang war den ganzen Abend aufmerksam und freundlich.
His behavior at the reception was attentive and friendly all evening.
