01
der Mensch
human / person
An individual of the species Homo sapiens; a person in general.
example
Jeder Mensch hat das Recht auf Freiheit.
Every human being has the right to freedom.
der Mensch
human / person
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Grammar trap: N-declension
'Der Mensch' belongs to the N-declension. This means that in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular it receives the ending '-en'. A common mistake is forgetting this ending.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gestern einen interessanten Menschen kennengelernt.
I met an interesting person yesterday.
Use as an exclamation
The exclamation 'Mensch!' is used in colloquial speech to express surprise, annoyance, or joy. In this function, it is not a noun but an interjection.
EXAMPLE
Mensch, das ist ja eine tolle Nachricht!
Wow, that's great news!
Meaning 'humanity'
When 'der Mensch' is used in the singular and often with the definite article in a general or philosophical context, it refers to humanity as a whole.
EXAMPLE
Der Mensch hat die Verantwortung für den Planeten.
Humankind has responsibility for the planet.
Typical collocations
To describe a person's character, 'Mensch' is frequently combined with evaluative adjectives. Typical formulations are 'ein guter Mensch' (a good person), 'ein ehrlicher Mensch' (an honest person), or 'ein herzlicher Mensch' (a warm-hearted person).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist ein sehr hilfsbereiter Mensch.
She is a very helpful person.
Compare with
Mensch vs Mann
man
'der Mensch' and 'der Mann' can both mean a single person. The important difference is gender and often also age. 'der Mensch' is general and does not say whether the person is male or female. 'der Mann' means an adult male person. The words can be confused when you simply want to talk about a person. If gender is not important, 'Mensch' or often 'Person' is better. If you clearly mean an adult male human being, 'Mann' is more precise.
Mensch
Jeder Mensch braucht manchmal Hilfe.
Every person needs help sometimes.
Mann
Der Mann an der Kasse bezahlt mit Karte.
The man at the checkout is paying by card.
In real life
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