eitel
vain
The German word "eitel" is an adjective that means "vain" or "conceited". It refers to someone who has an excessively high opinion of their own appearance, talents, or achievements. The word comes from Middle High German and Old High German where it meant "empty" or "worthless", highlighting the superficial focus on one's vanity.
Similar words in German include "eigensinnig" (self-absorbed) and "selbstverliebt" (self-loving).
Differences:
- "Eigensinnig" can imply a stubborn focus on one's own opinion and desires, not necessarily linked to vanity about appearance.
- "Selbstverliebt" emphasizes a love for oneself, again often related to other qualities beyond just appearance.
"eitel" specifically emphasizes vanity and pride in one's external or superficial attributes.
Make “eitel” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Er ist sehr eitel.adjective
He is very vain.
Der Mann stellt sich als eitel heraus.adjective
The man turns out to be vain.
Sein Verhalten ist oft eitel.adjective
His behavior is often vain.
Jeder in der Gruppe nennt ihn eitel.adjective
Everyone in the group calls him vain.
Manche Menschen wirken eitel und stolz.adjective
Some people seem vain and proud.
Kleider machen ihn manchmal eitel.adjective
Clothes sometimes make him vain.
Der Junge wirkt heute besonders eitel.adjective
The boy seems particularly vain today.
Manche Leute finden ihn zu eitel für diesen Job.adjective
Some people find him too vain for this job.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad