gay
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gay
Describing the sexual orientation of a man who feels emotionally and sexually attracted to other men; male homosexual.
Mein bester Freund ist schwul und hat seit zwei Jahren einen festen Partner.
My best friend is gay and has had a steady partner for two years.
In its main meaning, 'schwul' (gay) is the neutral and common term for male homosexuality. It is used without judgment in everyday life, in the media, and in public discourse.
Der Film handelt von einem schwulen Paar in den 1980er Jahren.
The film is about a gay couple in the 1980s.
Common and neutral expressions are 'ein schwuler Mann' (a gay man), 'ein schwules Paar' (a gay couple), or 'die schwule Community' (the gay community). The expression 'sich als schwul outen' (to come out as gay) is also very common.
Er hat sich vor seiner Familie als schwul geoutet.
He came out as gay to his family.
The colloquial use of 'schwul' (gay) as a general insult meaning 'stupid' or 'uncool' is strongly derogatory and discriminatory. This usage should definitely be avoided.
Diese Art von Sprache ist in der Schule nicht akzeptabel.
This kind of language is not acceptable at school.
funny / strange
'komisch' and 'schwul' can seem similar only in a problematic colloquial usage. 'komisch' is a normal word for something strange or odd. 'schwul' actually describes a man who loves men. When 'schwul' is used to mean 'strange', 'unpleasant', or 'uncool', it is derogatory and discriminatory. Learners should therefore not confuse these words: for strange things, you say 'komisch', not 'schwul'. 'schwul' should be used respectfully only for sexual orientation.
Benutz nicht „schwul“, wenn du „komisch“ meinst; das kann Menschen verletzen.
Don't use 'schwul' when you mean 'komisch'; that can hurt people.
Die Nachricht klingt komisch, weil sie keinen Namen und keine Adresse enthält.
The message sounds strange because it does not include a name or an address.