01
der Lord
lord
A title of nobility for a man in the United Kingdom.
example
Lord Byron war ein berühmter britischer Dichter der Romantik.
Lord Byron was a famous British poet of the Romantic period.
der Lord
lord
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Cultural context
'Lord' is a loanword from English and refers to a title of nobility from the United Kingdom. It is not a German title of nobility.
EXAMPLE
In der Serie geht es um das Leben eines englischen Lords im 19. Jahrhundert.
The series is about the life of an English lord in the 19th century.
Context clue
The literal meaning (title of nobility) is often recognizable from historical contexts or the mention of a name. The ironic, colloquial meaning is recognizable from verbs like 'sich benehmen wie' (to behave like) or 'spielen' (to play/act).
EXAMPLE
Lord Nelson war ein berühmter britischer Admiral.
Lord Nelson was a famous British admiral.
Typical expressions
The colloquial meaning is often used in fixed expressions, for example 'leben wie ein Lord' (to live very luxuriously) or 'sich aufführen wie ein Lord' (to behave in a bossy or lordly way).
EXAMPLE
Seit er im Lotto gewonnen hat, lebt er wie ein Lord.
Ever since he won the lottery, he has been living like a lord.
Compare with
Lord vs Graf
count
'Graf' and 'Lord' can both refer to a nobleman. The difference is mainly in the country and in how the words are used. 'Graf' is a specific noble title in German and European nobility. 'Lord' is used especially for a noble title in the United Kingdom. In addition, 'Lord' can be used colloquially and slightly ironically for a man who acts very distinguished or grand. Learners may confuse the words because both sound connected to nobility and high status. For German or general European titles, 'Graf' is often suitable; for British nobility or an ironic tone, 'Lord' is usually more appropriate.
Lord
Mit seinem neuen Mantel ging Paul durch den Flur wie ein Lord.
With his new coat, Paul walked down the hallway like a lord.
Graf
Im Schloss lebte früher ein Graf mit seiner Familie.
A count used to live in the castle with his family.
In real life
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