der  Anstand

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanʃtant/

🤔 What does "der Anstand" mean?

Der Anstand translates to concepts like decency, propriety, good manners, or decorum. It refers to the sense of what is socially acceptable and morally appropriate in behaviour and interaction with others.

It embodies respect (Respekt), tact (Taktgefühl), and consideration (Rücksichtnahme) within social contexts. Essentially, it's about knowing and adhering to the unwritten rules of polite society. Someone who possesses Anstand behaves politely and respectfully. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

The word is almost exclusively used in the singular. A plural form ("die Anstände") is very uncommon and mostly theoretical or archaic.

🧐 Grammar & Declension of Anstand

The noun "Anstand" is masculine. The definite article is therefore der. It is typically only used in the singular.

Declension Singular

🚨 Note: The Genitive and Dative forms ending in "-e" (Anstandes, Anstande) are less common and considered somewhat more formal or archaic.

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Der Anstand gebietet es, älteren Menschen den Platz anzubieten. (Decency dictates offering one's seat to elderly people.)
• Genitive: Er handelte aus einem Gefühl des Anstands heraus. (He acted out of a sense of decency.)
• Dativ: Sie folgte nur dem Anstand, auch wenn es ihr schwerfiel. (She only followed propriety, even though it was difficult for her.)
• Accusative: Man sollte immer den Anstand wahren. (One should always maintain decorum.)

💡 How to use Anstand?

"Der Anstand" is used to talk about fundamental rules of social interaction and moral correctness. It's a somewhat more formal term than "Benehmen" (behaviour) but less specific than "Etikette" (etiquette).

• Typical Contexts: Public behaviour, formal occasions, ethical discussions, raising children.
• Common Phrases: "den Anstand wahren" (to maintain decorum / behave decently), "aus Anstand" (out of a sense of propriety), "gegen den Anstand verstoßen" (to offend against decency), "jemandem den nötigen Anstand beibringen" (to teach someone manners).
• Distinction from similar words:
  • Benehmen: Refers more to the concrete, observable behaviour in a situation.
  • Etikette: Refers to specific, often formal rules of conduct (e.g., table manners, courtly manners).
  • Moral (die Moral): Encompasses deeper ethical principles, whereas Anstand can sometimes be more superficial and depend more heavily on social conventions.

One can 'have' (haben) or 'show' (zeigen) Anstand, but one can also 'lack' it (vermissen lassen).

🧠 Memory Aids for "der Anstand"

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Mann (the man) - a decent man ('der anständige Mann') should have Anstand. Both 'Mann' and 'Anstand' use 'der'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone has to stop and stand (an + stand) at the door to think about how to behave properly – that's Anstand, the consideration of proper conduct.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Anstand

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Aufstand (der): uprising, rebellion (completely different meaning!)
• Abstand (der): distance, gap
• Anstalt (die): institution, establishment (different gender!)

😄 A Little Joke

Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen Anstand und Etikette?"
(Teacher: "Fritzie, what's the difference between decency and etiquette?")

Fritzchen: "Anstand ist, wenn man husten muss und die Hand vor den Mund hält. Etikette ist, wenn man danach 'Verzeihung' sagt und nicht in die Suppe gehustet hat."
(Fritzie: "Decency is when you have to cough and put your hand over your mouth. Etiquette is when you say 'Excuse me' afterwards and didn't cough into the soup.")

📜 A Poem about Anstand

Der Anstand, leis und unaufdringlich,
(Decorum, quiet and unobtrusive,)
Er wohnt im Herzen, macht uns dinglich
(It dwells within the heart, makes us truly)
Zu Wesen, die mit Takt und Sinn
(Into beings, who with tact and sense)
Dem andern geben Freundlichkeit dahin.
(Offer kindness to the other hence.)

Ein Lächeln hier, ein Dankeswort,
(A smile right here, a word of thanks,)
Trägt gute Sitten fort und fort.
(Carries good manners through the ranks.)
Wo Anstand fehlt, wird's rau und kalt,
(Where decency lacks, it grows rough and cold,)
Drum pfleg ihn gut, werd damit alt!
(So tend it well, and with it grow old!)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich habe keinen Mund, doch sag' dir, was sich ziemt.
(I have no mouth, yet tell you what is seemly.)
Ich habe keine Hand, doch lenke, was bestimmt
(I have no hand, yet guide what is deemed)
Das Miteinander, höflich, fein und klar.
(The way we interact, polite, refined, and clear.)
Wer mich besitzt, gilt oft als wunderbar.
(Who possesses me is often held most dear.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

(Lösung / Solution: Der Anstand / Decency, Propriety)

✨ More Information about "Anstand"

Etymology (Wortherkunft):

The word "Anstand" derives from the Middle High German verb "anstehen", which originally meant "to fit, to be suitable, to please". It thus describes something that "suits" (steht gut an) a situation or person, i.e., something appropriate.

Compounds & Related Terms:

• anständig (adjective): decent, respectable (behaving according to Anstand)
• unanständig (adjective): indecent, improper (violating Anstand)
• Anstandsbesuch (der): a courtesy visit (a short, formal visit made out of politeness)
• Anstandsdame (die): a chaperone (an older woman who formerly accompanied young, unmarried women in public to ensure their propriety - rare today)
• Anstandsfrist (die): a grace period (a period allowed out of fairness or propriety)
• Anstandswauwau (der): (colloquial, often humorous) a person acting as a watchdog or chaperone (similar to Anstandsdame)