Mut
/muːt/masculine
The English word 'courage' is translated into German as Mut. Wiktionary also lists Beherztheit.
Meaning: ability to do frightening things (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mut | /muːt/ | masculine |
| Beherztheit | /bəˈhɛrtsthaɪ̯t/ | feminine |
Mut refers to the ability to do frightening things. You can also use the idiomatic phrase Mut machen to mean 'to encourage' or 'to give someone courage'. The related adjective is mutig, meaning 'courageous'.
Which one should you use?
While Mut refers to general courage, Beherztheit refers more specifically to a sense of boldness, resoluteness or acting with heart and spirit.
How does it change in a sentence?
Mut is a masculine noun and requires the masculine definite article der in the nominative case. Beherztheit is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/muːt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because Mut is a masculine noun, avoid using the wrong article like das Mut.
Did you know?
- The German word Mut is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'mood'. Both words stem from an ancient root meaning 'spirit' or 'mind'.
- The term Zivilcourage specifically describes the courage to stand up for others in public, often against a crowd or authority, regardless of personal risk.
- The word Beherztheit contains the root Herz, meaning 'heart'. This reflects the ancient belief that courage is physically located in the heart rather than the mind.
Examples in context
- Ihm fehlt der Mut.He is lacking in courage.This sentence shows how to express that someone lacks courage using Mut.Tatoeba #4193328 by Esperantostern, translation #284928 by CH
- Tom hat großen Mut.Tom has a lot of courage.This sentence describes someone having a large amount of courage using Mut.Tatoeba #5167073 by Manfredo, translation #5162585 by CK
- Behalten Sie den Mut.Keep up your courage.This sentence is a way to tell someone to keep their courage using Mut.Tatoeba #7354478 by Yorwba, translation #264974 by CK
- Er zeigte große Tapferkeit im Angesicht der Gefahr.He displayed great courage in the face of danger.
- Die Soldaten wurden für ihre Tapferkeit ausgezeichnet.The soldiers were honored for their bravery.
- 188 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is nervous about asking for a promotion.
- MaximilianIch habe nicht den Mut, meinen Chef zu fragen.I don't have the courage to ask my boss.
- SarahDu musst nur ein bisschen Mut haben, Maximilian.You just need to have a little courage, Maximilian.
- MaximilianAber was, wenn er Nein sagt?But what if he says no?
- SarahDas ist egal, hab einfach Mut!That doesn't matter, just have courage!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “courage” translations and entries Mut, Beherztheit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Beherztheit, Mut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
