der Lakai
footman
A servant who, in the past, was responsible for personal services in an especially prestigious household and often wore a uniform.
EXAMPLE
Der Lakai öffnete den Gästen die Tür.
The footman opened the door for the guests.
der Lakai
lackey / footman
der Lakai, die Lakaien
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Meanings
der Lakai
lackey
A person who unquestioningly submits to a powerful person or group and willingly represents their interests.
EXAMPLE
Er gilt als Lakai des reichen Unternehmers.
He is regarded as the wealthy businessman's lackey.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Lakai, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Lakaien |
| genitive | des Lakaien |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Lakai | die Lakaien |
| accusative | den Lakaien | die Lakaien |
| dative | dem Lakaien | den Lakaien |
| genitive | des Lakaien | der Lakaien |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Register and connotation
'Lakai' (lackey) is a rather elevated or literary word. In its figurative meaning, it almost always carries a clearly negative connotation.
EXAMPLE
In dem historischen Roman wird der Lakai des Grafen ausführlich beschrieben.
The count's footman is described in detail in the historical novel.
Historical context
The literal meaning is often clear from a historical or courtly setting and from words such as 'Haushalt' (household), 'Herrschaft' (master / ruler), or 'Uniform' (uniform). 'Lakai' (footman) is often used with a possessive or affiliation phrase in the genitive.
EXAMPLE
Der Lakai des Fürsten trug eine auffällige Uniform.
The prince's footman wore a striking uniform.
Im vornehmen Haushalt arbeiteten mehrere Lakaien.
Several footmen worked in the prestigious household.
Figurative use
In its figurative meaning, 'Lakai' (lackey) usually refers to a person who willingly represents the interests of a powerful person or group. Typical collocations are 'ein Lakai der Regierung' (a lackey of the government) and 'ein Lakai eines Konzerns' (a lackey of a corporation); the term is derogatory.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitung bezeichnete ihn als Lakai der mächtigen Lobby.
The newspaper called him a lackey of the powerful lobby.
Er wollte nicht als Lakai eines Konzerns wahrgenommen werden.
He did not want to be seen as a corporation's lackey.
In real life
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