flattery
die Schmeichelei, die Schmeicheleien
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flattery
A friendly, complimentary remark or action intended to please someone or gain an advantage; it is often exaggerated or not entirely sincere.
Seine Schmeichelei über mein neues Kleid klang nicht besonders ehrlich.
His flattery about my new dress did not sound particularly sincere.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schmeicheleien |
| genitive | der Schmeichelei |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Schmeichelei | die Schmeicheleien |
| accusative | die Schmeichelei | die Schmeicheleien |
| dative | der Schmeichelei | den Schmeicheleien |
| genitive | der Schmeichelei | der Schmeicheleien |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Schmeichelei' (flattery) is derived from 'schmeicheln' (to flatter). The ending '-ei' refers here to an action or behavior.
Seine Schmeichelei wirkte freundlich, aber etwas künstlich.
His flattery seemed friendly, but somewhat artificial.
Common collocations include 'jemandem Schmeicheleien machen' (to flatter someone), 'auf Schmeicheleien hereinfallen' (to fall for flattery), and 'Schmeicheleien verteilen' (to hand out compliments). The word is often used in connection with a person who is being praised or influenced.
Er ließ sich von der Schmeichelei seines Kollegen nicht beeindrucken.
He was not impressed by his colleague's flattery.
'Schmeichelei' (flattery) is often used in a skeptical or critical context. Signal words such as 'übertrieben' (exaggerated), 'unehrlich' (insincere), or 'aus Berechnung' (for calculated reasons) show that the praise is not entirely genuine.
Hinter der Schmeichelei vermutete sie den Wunsch nach einer Beförderung.
She suspected that behind the flattery was a desire for a promotion.
