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noun

die Schmeichelei, -en

flattery

Definition & meaning

Schmeichelei means flattery: praise or kind words used to please someone, often excessively or insincerely. It can also refer to a particular flattering remark or act.

Grammar & Word origin

A feminine noun: die Schmeichelei. Its plural is die Schmeicheleien. It is formed from the verb schmeicheln (“to flatter”) and the suffix -ei, which can describe an action or behavior.

Synonyms & antonyms

  • Schmeichlerei is a close synonym and often carries a similarly negative sense of excessive or insincere flattery.
  • Kompliment means “compliment.” Unlike Schmeichelei, it can be sincere and is not necessarily intended to win someone’s favor.
  • Lob means “praise” and is generally more neutral; it does not necessarily imply flattery.
  • Kritik (“criticism”) and Tadel (“reproach”) can be opposites in context, though they are not direct antonyms.

Common phrases & collocations

  • jemandem schmeicheln — to flatter someone
  • leere Schmeicheleien — empty or insincere flattery
  • jemanden mit Schmeicheleien überhäufen — to shower someone with flattery

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Examples

Manchmal bin ich einfach Opfer einer Schmeichelei.noun

Sometimes I'm just a victim of flattery.

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