der  Gentleman

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdʒɛntl̩mən/

🎩 What does "der Gentleman" mean?

Der Gentleman (noun, masculine) refers to a man of distinguished character and cultivated demeanor, characterized by politeness (Höflichkeit), tact (Taktgefühl), and honorableness (Ehrenhaftigkeit). It is a loanword adopted from English.

• Main meaning: A man with excellent manners, often used as an ideal image of a polite and considerate man (Kavalier, Ehrenmann).
• Connotation: Can sometimes seem slightly old-fashioned (altmodisch) or formal (formell), but is often used appreciatively. In rare cases, it can be used ironically.

🚨 It is a loanword from English that has become established in German.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Corner: Der Gentleman

The noun "Gentleman" is masculine and follows the so-called weak declension (N-Deklination). This means it takes the ending "-n" (or "-en") in all cases except the nominative singular. An exception is the genitive singular, which usually takes the strong ending "-s", although "-n" is also possible, albeit less common.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural is formed by adding "-men", analogous to English.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Er ist ein wahrer Gentleman. (He is a true gentleman.)
2. Das Verhalten des Gentleman / Gentlemans war tadellos. (The gentleman's behavior was impeccable.)
3. Ich danke dem Gentleman für seine Hilfe. (I thank the gentleman for his help.)
4. Wir haben den Gentleman zum Essen eingeladen. (We invited the gentleman for dinner.)
5. Die Gentlemen trugen alle Anzüge. (The gentlemen all wore suits.)

🤔 Usage in Context

The term "Gentleman" is used to describe a man distinguished by particular politeness (Höflichkeit), consideration (Rücksichtnahme), and a well-groomed appearance (gepflegtes Auftreten).

• Formal occasions: Describing a man with good manners at social events.
• Recognition: Praise for chivalrous or particularly polite behavior.
• Ideal image: As a term for a man embodying traditional virtues like honor (Ehre) and decency (Anstand).
• Contrast: Sometimes used in contrast to less polite or inconsiderate behavior ("Er ist kein Gentleman." - He is no gentleman.).

Compared to "Herr" (Mr., Lord, gentleman), "Gentleman" places more emphasis on character traits and behavior, while "Herr" is primarily a form of address or a general term for a man. "Kavalier" is a very similar word, often used synonymously.

⚠️ Depending on the context and speaker, its use can sometimes be perceived as slightly old-fashioned (altmodisch) or exaggerated (übertrieben).

🧠 How to Remember 'der Gentleman'

1. Article Aid

   Remember: A Gentleman is a man. In German, it's der Mann. Therefore: der Gentleman. Easy!

2. Meaning Aid

   Picture a man who is gentle with everyone and everything – a Gentle-man. This connects directly to the English meaning.

3. N-Declension Aid

   A true Gentleman is consistent in his manners, and the noun is consistent too: it mostly ends in -n/-en in plural and many singular cases (except Nominative Sg. and often Genitive Sg.). Think 'N' for 'Nice manners' and 'N-declension'.

🔁 Related and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar Words (Caution):

• Herr: Neutral term for 'man' or 'Mr.'; doesn't necessarily imply the special manners of a Gentleman.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt sie ihn: "Sind Sie ein Gentleman?" Er: "Selbstverständlich! Ich kann sogar die Waschmaschine bedienen, ohne die Farben zu vermischen."

English: She asks him: "Are you a gentleman?" He: "Of course! I can even operate the washing machine without mixing the colors."

📜 A Poem about the Gentleman

German:
Der Gentleman, mit Hut und Stil,
zeigt Anstand, ganz ohne Kalkül.
Hält Türen auf, mit Charme und Witz,
ein Kavalier, das ist kein Fritz.
Er spricht gewählt, ist stets galant,
ein Ehrenmann, im ganzen Land.

English:
The gentleman, with hat and style,
Shows decency, without any guile.
Holds doors open, with charm and wit,
A cavalier, not just some git.
He speaks refined, is always gallant,
A man of honor, throughout the land.

🧩 Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin kein König, trage oft Hut,
bin höflich, taktvoll, tue Gutes.
Manieren sind mein Markenzeichen klar,
aus England komm' ich, das ist wahr.

Wer bin ich?

English:
I'm not a king, but often wear a hat,
I'm polite, tactful, good like that.
Manners are my clear trademark,
From England I come, making my mark.

Who am I?
(... The answer is: **der Gentleman**)

✨ Other Information

Word Origin (Etymology):

The word "Gentleman" comes directly from English. It is composed of gentle (originally 'of noble birth', later 'mild-mannered, polite') and man. It was adopted into German as a term for a man possessing these qualities.

Cultural Significance:

The concept of the gentleman has a long history, particularly within the British aristocracy and middle class. It represents an ideal of masculine behavior that has evolved over centuries and still plays a role today, albeit sometimes modernized.