Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Verhalten | /fɛɐ̯ˈhaltn̩/ /fɛɐ̯ˈhaltən/ |
neuter |
| Benehmen | /bɛ.ˈneː.mɛn/ | neuter |
| Betragen | /bəˈtʁaːɡən/ /bəˈtʁaːɡŋ̩/ (Germany) |
neuter |
| Verhaltensweise | feminine | |
| Gebaren | /ɡəˈbaːʁən/ /ɡeˈb̥aːʁɛn/ |
neuter |
German uses different words for behavior depending on whether you are discussing psychological patterns, social manners or official conduct. Verhalten is the general term for the way an animal or human acts. Verhaltensweise specifically refers to a person's behavioral patterns or a specific way of behaving. Additionally, the verb sich verhalten means to behave, while sich benehmen means to behave oneself.
Which one should you use?
Verhalten is the most general and neutral term for behavior and is used in everyday, scientific or psychological contexts. Benehmen focuses on social conduct, manners or how one carries oneself in social settings. Betragen is a more formal term for conduct, typically used in legal, official or highly disciplined contexts. Verhaltensweise is used when discussing a specific mode of behavior or behavioral patterns.
How does it change in a sentence?
Verhaltensweise is a feminine noun that describes a specific mode of behavior.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛɐ̯ˈhaltn̩/
Did you know?
- The word Gebaren often carries a sarcastic or judgmental tone. It is frequently used to describe an arrogant or pretentious manner of acting.
- The formal term Betragen is rooted in the verb tragen, which means 'to carry'. It describes the way a person 'carries' their conduct in a legal or official capacity.
- The noun Benehmen is closely related to the verb nehmen, which means 'to take'.
Examples in context
- Ändern Sie Ihr Verhalten!Change your behavior.This sentence is useful for giving a command to change one's behavior using Verhalten.Tatoeba #11838449 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10836142 by Amastan
- Dein Verhalten stört mich.Your behavior disturbs me.This sentence shows how someone's behavior can be a disturbance using Verhalten.Tatoeba #9129406 by driini, translation #13013028 by rul
- Toms Benehmen war unerhört.Tom's behavior wasn't acceptable.This sentence describes someone's unacceptable behavior using Benehmen.Tatoeba #1931137 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1023865 by CK
- Das Verhalten der Kinder im Unterricht war vorbildlich.The behavior of the children in class was exemplary.
- Ihr Benehmen bei der Hochzeit war sehr vornehm.Her behavior at the wedding was very refined.
- Sein Handeln während der Krise war überlegt und ruhig.His behavior during the crisis was thoughtful and calm.
- Seine Verhaltensweise in solchen Situationen ist immer freundlich.His behavior in such situations is always friendly.
- gutes VerhaltenGood behavior
- schlechtes BenehmenBad behavior
- respektvolles HandelnRespectful behavior
- 167 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A veterinarian is discussing a cat's behavior with its owner.
- SarahDas Verhalten der Katze ist sehr seltsam.The behavior of the cat is very strange.
- JulianHat sie sich schon früher so verhalten?Has she behaved like this before?
- SarahNein, ihr Verhalten hat sich erst heute geändert.No, her behavior only changed today.
- JulianDas macht mir große Sorgen.That worries me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “behavior” translations and entries Verhalten, Benehmen, Betragen, Verhaltensweise, Gebaren, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Verhalten, Verhaltensweise, benehmen, betragen, verhalten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
