der Typ
guy
Colloquial term for a man or boy, often with a slightly distant or neutral connotation.
EXAMPLE
Kennst du den Typen, der da drüben an der Bar steht?
Do you know the guy standing over there at the bar?
der Typ
guy / type
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Meanings
der Typ
type / model
A particular kind, sort, or model of something that has characteristic features.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Auto ist ein älterer Typ, aber es fährt noch sehr gut.
This car is an older model, but it still drives very well.
der Typ
type
A person characterized by certain traits or behaviors.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eher der ruhige Typ und liest gerne.
She is more the quiet type and likes to read.
Usage tips
Colloquial use
In colloquial speech, 'Typ' (guy) is very often used as a neutral or slightly distant word for a man or boy. It is very common in spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Da vorne steht ein komischer Typ und beobachtet uns.
There's a strange guy standing up ahead and watching us.
Common mistake
In the colloquial meaning, 'Typ' (guy) is used almost exclusively for male people. You would normally not use this word for a woman.
EXAMPLE
Der Typ am Nachbartisch telefoniert sehr laut.
The guy at the next table is talking very loudly on the phone.
Describing character
To describe a person's character, 'Typ' (type) is often used in the fixed expression 'der [Adjektiv] Typ sein' (to be the [adjective] type). The adjective describes the personality.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin nicht so der Party-Typ, ich bleibe lieber zu Hause.
I'm not really the party type; I prefer to stay at home.
Context clue: objects
When 'Typ' (type) describes a kind or model, it usually refers to technical devices, vehicles, or products. It often appears with the name of the product or a more precise description.
EXAMPLE
Welcher Typ Drucker ist das denn?
What type of printer is that?
Compare with
Typ vs Mensch
human / person
Mensch and Typ can both describe a person in terms of their character. Mensch sounds more personal and less casual. Typ is clearly more colloquial and often puts the person’s noticeable traits or behaviors more strongly in the foreground.
Typ
Paul ist ein ruhiger Typ, der Konflikten immer aus dem Weg geht.
Paul is a quiet guy who always avoids conflicts.
Mensch
Paul ist ein ruhiger und hilfsbereiter Mensch.
Paul is a quiet and helpful person.
In real life
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