brave / valiant
Loading your saved state.
brave / valiant
Brave, courageous, and persistent, especially in the face of difficulties or resistance. Often used in the expression 'sich wacker schlagen' (to put up a brave fight / to acquit oneself well).
Trotz der Niederlage hat sich die Mannschaft wacker geschlagen.
Despite the defeat, the team put up a brave fight.
honest / capable
A somewhat old-fashioned term for an honest, decent, and capable person.
Er war ein wackerer Handwerker, auf den man sich immer verlassen konnte.
He was an honest, capable craftsman whom one could always rely on.
The most common use of 'wacker' (brave/valiant) is the reflexive expression 'sich wacker schlagen' (to put up a brave fight / to acquit oneself well). It means that someone fights bravely or performs well despite difficulties.
Obwohl sie neu im Team ist, hat sie sich wacker geschlagen.
Although she is new to the team, she acquitted herself well.
'Wacker' (brave/valiant) is related to the verb 'wachen' (to be awake / to keep watch). The original meaning was 'awake' or 'lively,' from which today's meaning 'brave and persistent' developed.
Trotz der langen Wanderung blieben die Kinder wacker und gut gelaunt.
Despite the long hike, the children remained brave and cheerful.
In the meaning 'ehrlich' (honest) or 'tüchtig' (capable), 'wacker' (honest/capable) is outdated today and sounds literary or old-fashioned. It is found mainly in historical texts, fairy tales, or as an ironic description.
Der wackere Ritter zog aus, um den Drachen zu besiegen.
The valiant knight set out to defeat the dragon.
brave
Tapfer and wacker both describe brave, persistent behavior in difficult situations. Tapfer can be used generally for this kind of behavior. Wacker is especially common in the fixed expression „sich wacker schlagen“ when someone handles a difficult task well.
Gegen die starken Gegner schlug Lea sich bis zum Ende wacker.
Lea put up a brave fight against the strong opponents until the end.
Trotz der starken Gegner spielte Lea tapfer bis zum Ende weiter.
Despite the strong opponents, Lea bravely kept playing until the end.
