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keck
cheeky / bold
Acting confidently in a charming, brave, or slightly cheeky and disrespectful way.
example
Mit einem kecken Grinsen bat sie um eine Gehaltserhöhung.
With a cheeky grin, she asked for a raise.
keck
cheeky / bold
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Connotation and style
The word 'keck' (cheeky/bold) describes an impudent manner that is often perceived as charming, witty, or brave. It usually has a positive or admiring connotation and is often used for children or in playful situations.
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Mädchen gab dem Kellner eine kecke Antwort.
The little girl gave the waiter a cheeky answer.
Typical collocations
'Keck' (cheeky/bold) is often used to describe a specific action or expression. Typical combinations are 'ein keckes Lächeln' (a cheeky smile), 'eine kecke Frage' (a cheeky question), 'ein kecker Spruch' (a cheeky remark), or 'keck antworten' (to answer cheekily).
EXAMPLE
Seine kecke Frage brachte alle zum Lachen.
His cheeky question made everyone laugh.
Context clue
The meaning 'kühn' (bold) or 'tapfer' (brave) is outdated. It is found almost only in historical texts, fairy tales, or old-fashioned poetry. In modern German, 'keck' (cheeky/bold) is no longer used in this sense.
EXAMPLE
In der alten Sage wird von einem kecken Helden berichtet.
In the old legend, a bold hero is mentioned.
Compare with
keck vs frech
cheeky / impertinent
'frech' and 'keck' can both describe confident behavior that crosses the line a little. However, 'frech' can be clearly negative if someone is disrespectful or rude. It can also sound positive if it is meant as charming and playful. 'keck' usually refers to this charming, bold side and sounds less harsh than 'frech'. Learners may confuse the words because both fit impertinent answers or a bold manner. If the behavior is hurtful or disrespectful, you are more likely to use 'frech'. If it seems more bold and charming, 'keck' fits better.
keck
Vor dem Termin stellt Lena eine kecke Frage und alle müssen lächeln.
Before the appointment, Lena asks a cheeky question and everyone has to smile.
frech
Bei der Arbeit findet es niemand lustig, wenn ein Kollege frech zum Kunden ist.
At work, no one finds it funny when a colleague is rude to a customer.
In real life
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