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.
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 stand
'stehen' and 'schmeicheln' can both mean that clothing, colors, or light look good on a person. 'Das steht dir' (that suits you / that looks good on you) is the normal, direct everyday expression. 'Das schmeichelt dir' sounds a little more refined and emphasizes that something makes the person look especially good. Learners may confuse the words because both are positive. As a practical rule: for simple compliments about clothing or colors, you often use 'stehen'. 'Schmeicheln' fits better when you want to especially emphasize the attractive effect.
Das weiche Licht schmeichelt ihrem Gesicht auf dem Foto.
The soft light flatters her face in the photo.
Die blaue Jacke steht dir wirklich gut.
The blue jacket really suits you.