German · Emotions & Descriptions
"Polite" in German: höflich
höflich
Polite in German is höflich. Sei höflich is a manners reminder. Comparative is höflicher.
About a stranger
Der Kellner war sehr höflich.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce höflich
Say it
HÖF-likh
/ˈhøːflɪç/
HÖF-likh. Ö like e in “her” with rounded lips. Soft ch.
"Polite" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| höflich | polite Core adjective. | Core adjective. |
| höflicher | more polite Comparative. | Comparative. |
| sei höflich | be polite Reminder. | Reminder. |
| sehr höflich | very polite Emphasis. | Emphasis. |
How to use höflich in real life
- 1About a stranger
Der Kellner war sehr höflich.
The waiter was very polite.
Höflich.
- 2Parent tip
Sei höflich und sag bitte.
Be polite and say please.
Sei höflich.
- 3Comparing
Formuliere die Mail höflicher.
Phrase the email more politely.
Höflicher.
Mistakes English speakers make with höflich
Incorrect: polite auf Deutsch: polite
Correct: höflich
Use höflich.
Incorrect: mehr höflich
Correct: höflicher
Use höflicher, not mehr höflich.
Good to know
Höflichkeit includes Sie with strangers and bitte/danke habits. Freundlich is warm; höflich is manners-focused.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Coaching a job email
ChatPal
Klingt das höflich genug?
Does that sound polite enough?
You
Fast. Mach den Schluss höflicher.
Almost. Make the closing more polite.
ChatPal
Okay. Höflich und kurz, richtig?
Okay. Polite and short, right?
You
Genau. Höflich wirkt hier professionell.
Exactly. Polite comes across as professional here.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Polite" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Polite" in German
How do you say polite?
Höflich.
Be polite?
Sei höflich.
More polite?
Höflicher.
Friendly vs polite?
Freundlich is warm; höflich is manners.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
