tame
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tame
Describes an animal that is used to the presence of humans, is not wild or aggressive, and lets itself be touched.
Der Fuchs, der regelmäßig in unserem Garten ist, ist inzwischen erstaunlich zahm geworden.
The fox that regularly comes into our garden has become surprisingly tame by now.
meek / tame
Figuratively, referring to a person: compliant, gentle, and without resistance or contradiction. It can also have a negative connotation, in the sense of being too submissive or weak-willed.
Nach der Standpauke des Chefs war er plötzlich ganz zahm und widersprach nicht mehr.
After the boss's lecture, he was suddenly completely meek and no longer objected.
The context makes the meaning clear: if 'zahm' (tame) refers to an animal, it means 'not wild'. If it refers to a person, it means 'fügsam' (compliant) or 'sanft' (gentle).
Unsere Katze ist so zahm, dass sie sich von jedem streicheln lässt.
Our cat is so tame that it lets anyone pet it.
In connection with animals, 'zahm' (tame) is often used with verbs like 'werden' (to become) or 'machen' (to make) to describe the process of taming.
Es dauert lange, einen wilden Vogel zahm zu machen.
It takes a long time to make a wild bird tame.
When a person is described as 'zahm' (meek/tame), it can have a slightly negative meaning. It can mean that the person shows no will of their own or gives in too quickly.
Er ist in Meetings immer ganz zahm und sagt nie seine ehrliche Meinung.
He is always completely meek in meetings and never says his honest opinion.
well-behaved
Both brav and zahm can describe an easygoing animal. Brav evaluates whether it behaves well or obediently; zahm means that it is accustomed to people, is not wild or aggressive, and lets people touch it.
Der Hund ist so zahm, dass fremde Menschen ihn anfassen können.
The dog is so tame that strangers can touch it.
Der Hund blieb beim Tierarzt brav auf dem Tisch sitzen.
The dog sat obediently on the table at the vet's office.
