noun

die Anmut, -

grace

Eine besonders feine und harmonische Art, wie sich jemand bewegt oder verhält, die oft sehr elegant und angenehm wirkt.

Definition & meaning

Anmut refers to a quality of grace, elegance, and beauty, particularly in movement, posture, or expression. It describes a certain harmony and lightness that appears natural and effortless. While beauty can be static, Anmut is often associated with the way a person carries themselves or behaves. It implies a sense of gentleness and aesthetic charm that appeals to the observer's senses without being provocative or forced. In classical German philosophy, particularly in the works of Friedrich Schiller, Anmut was considered the outward expression of a beautiful soul.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a feminine noun (die Anmut). It generally does not have a plural form in modern usage. Etymologically, it is derived from the Middle High German word "anemuot" and the Old High German "anamuot". It is a combination of the prefix "an" (to/at) and "Mut". In older German, "Mut" did not just mean courage, but referred more broadly to one's disposition, mind, or spirit. Therefore, the word originally signified a pleasing or well-disposed state of mind that manifests outwardly.