der Mann
man
An adult male person.
EXAMPLE
Der Mann an der Kasse trug einen Hut.
The man at the checkout was wearing a hat.
der Mann
man
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Meanings
der Mann
husband
A person's husband or steady life partner.
EXAMPLE
Ich gehe heute Abend mit meinem Mann ins Kino.
I'm going to the movies with my husband tonight.
der Mann
person / member
A person who is suitable for or assigned to a particular task or position; a member of a group or team.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Reparatur brauchen wir den richtigen Mann.
For this repair, we need the right person.
seinen Mann stehen
to hold one's own
To prove oneself in a difficult situation, fulfill one's tasks well, or assert oneself.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl er neu im Team war, hat er von Anfang an seinen Mann gestanden.
Although he was new to the team, he held his own from the very beginning.
Usage tips
Part of compounds
The word 'Mann' (man) is often the final part of compound nouns, such as 'Schneemann' (snowman), 'Kaufmann' (businessman/merchant), or 'Feuerwehrmann' (firefighter). These often, but not always, refer to a male person.
EXAMPLE
Als Geschäftsmann ist er viel auf Reisen.
As a businessman, he travels a lot.
Colloquial exclamation
The word 'Mann!' (man!) is used colloquially as an exclamation to express surprise, annoyance, or enthusiasm. It often comes at the beginning of the sentence and is strongly emphasized.
EXAMPLE
Mann, war das ein spannendes Fußballspiel!
Man, what an exciting soccer game that was!
Context clue: husband
When 'Mann' is used with a possessive pronoun like 'mein' (my), 'dein' (your), or 'ihr' (her/their), it almost always means 'husband' or steady partner. Without a possessive pronoun, it usually refers to any male person.
EXAMPLE
Mein Mann kocht heute Abend für uns.
My husband is cooking for us tonight.
Figurative meaning
The phrase 'der richtige Mann für den Job' (the right man for the job) is often used figuratively. It means 'the best-suited person', regardless of gender.
EXAMPLE
Für diese schwierige Verhandlung brauchen wir unseren besten Mann.
For this difficult negotiation, we need our best person.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'seinen Mann stehen' (to hold one's own) means to prove oneself or master a challenge. The possessive pronoun agrees with the person (ich stehe meinen Mann, sie steht ihren Mann).
EXAMPLE
In der Krise hat die Bürgermeisterin wirklich ihren Mann gestanden.
In the crisis, the mayor really held her own.
Compare with
Mann vs Alter
age
Mann! and Alter! can both spontaneously express surprise, annoyance, or excitement. Alter! sounds more strongly associated with youth slang and can also be used as a familiar form of address. Mann! works as a general colloquial exclamation, while Alter! is especially common among young people who know each other well.
Mann
Mann, war dieses Konzert laut!
Man, was that concert loud!
Alter
Alter, war dieses Konzert laut!
Dude, was that concert loud!
In real life
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