to flatter
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to flatter
To give a person exaggerated or insincere compliments in order to put them in a positive mood or gain an advantage.
Er versuchte, seiner Chefin zu schmeicheln, um eine Beförderung zu bekommen.
He tried to flatter his boss in order to get a promotion.
to flatter
Used of clothing, colors, or light to express that something suits a person especially well and emphasizes their best features.
Diese Farbe schmeichelt deinem Teint sehr.
This color really flatters your complexion.
to feel flattered
To feel honored and pleased by a compliment, special attention, or praise.
Ich fühle mich sehr geschmeichelt von Ihrer Einladung.
I feel very flattered by your invitation.
The verb 'schmeicheln' (to flatter) always requires a dative object. You flatter 'jemandem' (someone, dative), not 'jemanden' (someone, accusative). This is a common mistake.
Der Verkäufer schmeichelte der Kundin, um ihr das teure Kleid zu verkaufen.
The salesperson flattered the customer in order to sell her the expensive dress.
When 'schmeicheln' (to flatter) means to give compliments, it often has a negative connotation. It suggests that the compliments are not entirely sincere and that someone is pursuing a specific goal with them.
Er schmeichelte seinem Professor, in der Hoffnung auf eine bessere Note.
He flattered his professor in the hope of getting a better grade.
When it is about clothing or colors, the flattering thing (e.g. the dress) is the subject of the sentence. The person it suits well is the dative object.
Der Schnitt dieses Mantels schmeichelt deiner Figur wirklich sehr.
The cut of this coat really flatters your figure.
The phrase 'sich geschmeichelt fühlen' (to feel flattered) is a fixed reflexive construction. It expresses that someone feels honored by praise or a gesture.
Sie fühlte sich sehr geschmeichelt, als man ihr die Leitung des Projekts anbot.
She felt very flattered when she was offered the leadership of the project.
to praise
Loben and schmeicheln can both involve saying positive things about a person. Loben is ordinary, sincere recognition, while schmeicheln refers to exaggerated or insincere compliments, often with the aim of winning someone over. Use loben for genuine recognition and schmeicheln when this particular motive is present.
Der Mitarbeiter schmeichelte der Chefin, damit sie seinen Wunsch genehmigte.
The employee flattered the boss so that she would approve his request.
Die Chefin lobte den Mitarbeiter für seinen zuverlässigen Einsatz.
The boss praised the employee for his reliable efforts.
