die Nettigkeit
niceness
A friendly, pleasant manner or friendly behavior toward others.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Nettigkeit machte den neuen Kollegen sofort sicherer.
Her kindness immediately made the new colleague feel more at ease.
die Nettigkeit
kindness / niceness
die Nettigkeit, die Nettigkeiten
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Meanings
die Nettigkeit
kind gesture
A friendly act, remark, or small thoughtful gesture.
EXAMPLE
Die Nettigkeit der Nachbarin, uns Kuchen zu bringen, hat uns sehr gefreut.
We were very touched by our neighbor's kindness in bringing us a cake.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Nettigkeit, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Nettigkeiten |
| genitive | der Nettigkeit |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Nettigkeit | die Nettigkeiten |
| accusative | die Nettigkeit | die Nettigkeiten |
| dative | der Nettigkeit | den Nettigkeiten |
| genitive | der Nettigkeit | der Nettigkeiten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
“Nettigkeit” (niceness/kindness) consists of the adjective “nett” (nice) and the ending “-igkeit.” The ending forms a noun for a quality or an action resulting from it.
EXAMPLE
Seine Nettigkeit im Umgang mit älteren Menschen fällt sofort auf.
His kindness toward older people is immediately noticeable.
Typical collocations
When referring to a friendly manner, “Nettigkeit” (niceness/kindness) is often used in connection with a person or group of people. Common patterns are “für seine Nettigkeit bekannt sein” (to be known for one's kindness) and “die Nettigkeit eines Menschen schätzen” (to appreciate someone's kindness).
EXAMPLE
Für ihre Nettigkeit ist die Ärztin im ganzen Viertel bekannt.
The doctor is known throughout the neighborhood for her kindness.
Small thoughtful gesture
When referring to a single friendly act, “Nettigkeit” (kind gesture) is often used with “eine kleine” (a small) or “eine nette” (a nice). The verb “überraschen” (to surprise) also often fits this usage.
EXAMPLE
Mit einer kleinen Nettigkeit überraschte er seine Kollegin zum Geburtstag.
He surprised his colleague on her birthday with a small kind gesture.
In real life
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