brave / valiant
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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.
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In the meaning 'ehrlich' (honest) or 'tüchtig' (capable), 'wacker' (honest/capable) is outdated today and sounds literary or old-fashioned.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.
honest
'ehrlich' and 'wacker' can both describe a decent person. 'ehrlich' is completely normal today and mainly means that someone tells the truth and does not cheat. 'wacker' can also mean 'honest, decent, and capable', but in this meaning it sounds old-fashioned. In modern everyday language, people usually use 'ehrlich' or 'anständig' for this. 'wacker' is heard more often in fixed expressions like 'sich wacker schlagen' (to put up a brave fight / to acquit oneself well); then it is more about courage and perseverance.
Der alte Nachbar gilt im Dorf als wackerer Mann, der immer hilft.
The old neighbor is regarded in the village as a decent man who always helps.
Der Verkäufer war ehrlich und gab mir zu viel gezahltes Geld zurück.
The salesperson was honest and gave me back the money I had overpaid.