unhöflich
impolite
Not following the rules of good manners; inconsiderate or disrespectful in dealing with other people.
EXAMPLE
Es ist unhöflich, jemanden beim Sprechen zu unterbrechen.
It is impolite to interrupt someone while they are speaking.
unhöflich
impolite
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is the direct negation of 'höflich' (polite) with the prefix 'un-'. 'Höflich' itself derives from 'der Hof' (the court) and originally described good manners at court.
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten gegenüber den Älteren war wirklich unhöflich.
His behavior toward the elderly was really impolite.
Evaluating actions
To describe an action as impolite, the impersonal construction 'Es ist unhöflich, ...' (It is impolite to ...) is often used with an infinitive clause with 'zu'.
EXAMPLE
Es ist unhöflich, während des Essens mit dem Handy zu spielen.
It is impolite to play with your phone during a meal.
Use with 'zu'
When you want to say whom someone is impolite to, you use the preposition 'zu' with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Warum warst du gestern so unhöflich zu unseren Gästen?
Why were you so impolite to our guests yesterday?
Compare with
unhöflich vs grob
rude / rough / approximate
Grob and unhöflich can both describe unpleasant behavior toward others. Grob emphasizes a brusque, inconsiderate, or hurtful manner. Unhöflich mainly judges the behavior as a violation of good manners, even when it does not seem particularly harsh.
unhöflich
Der Verkäufer antwortete unhöflich, ohne die Kundin zu begrüßen.
The salesperson replied impolitely without greeting the customer.
grob
Der Verkäufer antwortete so grob, dass sich die Kundin verletzt fühlte.
The salesperson replied so rudely that the customer felt hurt.
In real life
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