masculinity
die Männlichkeit
Loading your saved state.
masculinity
The totality of qualities, behaviors, and characteristics traditionally considered typical of a man or of the male sex.
Das traditionelle Bild von Männlichkeit hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten stark verändert.
The traditional image of masculinity has changed greatly in recent decades.
manhood
A euphemistic, often medical or outdated term for the male sexual organs.
Eine Verletzung im Sport beeinträchtigte seine Männlichkeit.
A sports injury affected his manhood.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Männlichkeit |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Männlichkeit | – |
| accusative | die Männlichkeit | – |
| dative | der Männlichkeit | – |
| genitive | der Männlichkeit | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is derived from the adjective 'männlich' (male/masculine). The ending '-keit' is a typical suffix in German for forming abstract nouns from adjectives.
Die Diskussion über moderne Männlichkeit ist sehr komplex.
The discussion about modern masculinity is very complex.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about social roles, psychology, or culture, the abstract concept is meant. In medical or very direct physical contexts, it refers to the sexual organs.
Er versucht, seine Männlichkeit durch teure Autos zu beweisen.
He tries to prove his masculinity through expensive cars.
Bei der Untersuchung wurde eine Verletzung seiner Männlichkeit festgestellt.
During the examination, an injury to his manhood was found.
In social discourse, 'Männlichkeit' (masculinity) is often combined with adjectives such as 'traditionell' (traditional) or 'toxisch' (toxic). A common expression is also 'seine Männlichkeit unter Beweis stellen' (to prove one's masculinity).
Der Film kritisiert das Konzept der toxischen Männlichkeit.
The film criticizes the concept of toxic masculinity.
In the meaning 'Geschlechtsorgane' (sexual organs), the word is a formal euphemism. It is used especially in medical or written contexts to treat the topic in a detached way.
Der Arzt sprach von einer Beeinträchtigung der Männlichkeit.
The doctor spoke of an impairment of his manhood.
