monk-like
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monk-like
In the manner of a monk; living modestly, ascetically, or in seclusion. A very rare, mostly figurative use of the noun as an adjective.
Seit seiner Pensionierung lebt er sehr mönch und meidet die Gesellschaft.
Since his retirement, he has lived in a very monk-like way and avoids society.
The adjective 'mönch' (monk-like) is derived directly from the noun 'der Mönch' (the monk). It literally means 'in the manner of a monk' and describes a very modest, secluded, and simple way of life.
Er führt ein Leben, das man fast als mönch bezeichnen könnte.
He leads a life that one could almost call monk-like.
This adjective is used almost exclusively predicatively, meaning it comes after verbs such as 'sein' (to be) or 'leben' (to live). Use before a noun (attributive use) is extremely rare and sounds unnatural.
Nach dem Tod seiner Frau lebte der alte Mann völlig mönch.
After his wife's death, the old man lived completely like a monk.
The use of 'mönch' (monk-like) as an adjective is very rare and has a literary or figurative character. You should know this word in order to understand it, but use it in everyday life only very deliberately.
In seiner kleinen Hütte im Wald hauste er ganz mönch.
In his small hut in the forest, he lived entirely like a monk.
modest
'bescheiden' and the very rare, figurative 'mönch' can both describe a simple life without much luxury. 'bescheiden' is the normal word and fits many everyday situations. 'mönch', on the other hand, sounds unusual and figurative: you imagine a life that is very simple, strict, or withdrawn, almost like that of a monk. For German learners, the important point is: in normal conversations, you almost always say 'bescheiden'. 'mönch' sounds literary or deliberately unusual.
In der kleinen Hütte lebte er fast mönch, ohne Fernseher und ohne jeden Luxus.
In the small hut, he lived in an almost monk-like way, without a television and without any luxury.
Nach dem Umzug lebt Paul sehr bescheiden und kauft nur das Nötigste.
After moving, Paul lives very modestly and buys only the essentials.