tapfer
brave
Courageous and fearless in the face of danger, pain, or difficulties.
EXAMPLE
Der tapfere Ritter kämpfte gegen den Drachen.
The brave knight fought against the dragon.
tapfer
brave
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Meanings
tapfer
brave
Patiently enduring an unpleasant situation without complaining. Often used approvingly for children or in cases of illness.
EXAMPLE
Du warst beim Arzt sehr tapfer und hast nicht geweint.
You were very brave at the doctor's and didn't cry.
Usage tips
False friend
'Tapfer' (brave) means 'mutig' (courageous) and corresponds to the English 'brave'. Don't confuse it with the German word 'brav' (well-behaved), which means 'gut erzogen' (well brought-up) or 'artig' (obedient/well-behaved).
EXAMPLE
Die tapfere Frau rannte in das brennende Haus, um das Kind zu retten.
The brave woman ran into the burning house to save the child.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'mutig' (courageous), 'tapfer' (brave) often describes people or their actions in dangerous situations. Typical nouns are 'ein tapferer Soldat' (a brave soldier), 'eine tapfere Tat' (a brave deed), or 'ein tapferer Kampf' (a brave fight).
EXAMPLE
Für seine tapfere Tat erhielt er eine Medaille.
He received a medal for his brave deed.
Typical context
In the meaning 'geduldig ertragend' (patiently enduring), 'tapfer' (brave) is often used as praise for children or patients who get through an unpleasant situation without complaining. It expresses recognition of their strength.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl die Spritze wehtat, warst du ganz tapfer.
Even though the injection hurt, you were really brave.
Compare with
tapfer vs mutig
brave / bold
Mutig emphasizes active action in a difficult situation despite fear. Tapfer can also refer to danger, but it is especially appropriate when someone endures pain or a burden with fortitude. Use mutig for a determined action, and often tapfer for patiently enduring something.
tapfer
Lina blieb während der schmerzhaften Behandlung tapfer und klagte nicht.
Lina remained brave throughout the painful treatment and did not complain.
mutig
Lina war mutig und ließ sich trotz ihrer Angst die schmerzhafte Behandlung geben.
Lina was brave and underwent the painful treatment despite her fear.
In real life
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