das  Kompliment

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔmpliˈmɛnt/

🧐 What Exactly is a Kompliment?

Das Kompliment (noun, neuter) refers to a praising, appreciative, or flattering remark about a person, their qualities, achievements, or appearance. It serves to express appreciation or admiration.

In German, the word Kompliment is neuter, so it's always das Kompliment.

• Example: Sie machte ihm ein schönes Kompliment zu seinem neuen Hemd. (She gave him a nice compliment on his new shirt.)

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar at a Glance: Das Kompliment

The noun "Kompliment" is neuter (sächlich) and is declined as follows:

Example Sentences for Grammar

1. Er freute sich sehr über das Kompliment. (He was very happy about the compliment.) (Accusative Singular)
2. Mit diesem Kompliment hat sie ihn wirklich überrascht. (With this compliment, she really surprised him.) (Dative Singular)
3. Die Gäste sparten nicht mit Komplimenten für die gute Organisation. (The guests weren't stingy with compliments for the good organization.) (Dative Plural)
4. Der Wert eines ehrlichen Komplimentes ist unbezahlbar. (The value of an honest compliment is priceless.) (Genitive Singular)

💬 How to Use "Kompliment"?

A Kompliment is often used in social situations to provide positive feedback or create a friendly atmosphere.

• Ein Kompliment machen: This is the most common phrase, meaning "to give a compliment". Example: "Ich möchte dir ein Kompliment für deine Präsentation machen." ("I want to give you a compliment on your presentation.")
• Komplimente erhalten/bekommen: Describes receiving compliments. Example: "Er erhält selten Komplimente, obwohl er sehr talentiert ist." ("He rarely receives compliments, although he is very talented.")
• Aufrichtige vs. unaufrichtige Komplimente: Context and tone are important to distinguish whether a compliment is genuine (aufrichtig) or just flattery (unaufrichtig or Schmeichelei).
• Cultural differences: In Germany, compliments are often used more sparingly than in some other cultures. Direct, honest compliments are usually preferred.

You can give someone a compliment für etwas (for something) or congratulate someone zu etwas (on something) while incorporating a compliment.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Many words ending in -ment borrowed from French are neuter (sächlich) in German, like das Apartment, das Dokument, das Instrument – and also das Kompliment. Think of 'it's just a statement' - statement ends in -ment, and 'it' refers to the neuter gender das.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of 'compliment' sounding like 'complete mint' - a compliment is like receiving something fresh and valuable, a 'complete mint' condition praise. Or, a 'compliment' helps 'complete' someone's good feeling for the day.

🔄 Similar and Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Note: While Schmeichelei is a type of compliment, it often carries a negative connotation (insincerity).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Computer ein Kompliment bekommen? Weil er so eine tolle Festplatte hatte!

English: Why did the computer get a compliment? Because it had such a great hard drive! (Festplatte literally means 'fixed disk' or 'hard disk', but sounds a bit like 'firm plate' - the joke is a simple pun).

📜 A Little Poem about Compliments

German:
Ein Wort, so freundlich und so fein,
lässt Sonnenschein ins Herz hinein.
Das Kompliment, mit Bedacht gewählt,
hat oft schon Wunder in die Welt erzählt.
Ob Lächeln, Leistung, Kleid,
es bringt oft Freude, weit und breit.

English Translation:
A word, so friendly and so fine,
lets sunshine enter the heart.
The compliment, chosen with care,
has often told wonders to the world.
Whether smile, achievement, dress,
it often brings joy, far and wide.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin eine nette Geste, oft in Worten,
Manchmal ehrlich, manchmal an falschen Orten.
Ich hebe die Stimmung, streichle die Seele,
Doch bin ich sächlich, das ist keine Fehle.
Was bin ich?

English:
I am a nice gesture, often in words,
Sometimes honest, sometimes in the wrong spots.
I lift the mood, caress the soul,
But I am neuter, that's not a flaw.
What am I?

Solution: Das Kompliment (The Compliment)

🌐 Other Info About das Kompliment

Word Origin: The German word "Kompliment" comes from the French compliment, which in turn derives from the Italian complimento ("fulfillment", "courtesy"). Ultimately, it is based on the Latin verb complere ("to fill up", "to complete").

Interesting Fact: The way compliments are given and received can vary significantly across cultures. In some cultures, it's common to deflect or downplay compliments, while in others, they are accepted directly and enthusiastically. Germans tend to appreciate sincerity in compliments.