hinterlistig
[ˈhɪntɐˌlɪstɪç]
The German word for deceitful is hinterlistig.
Use hinterlistig to describe someone or something that is deliberately misleading.
Meaning: deliberately misleading or cheating (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of hinter (behind) and List (cunning/trick), literally meaning acting with cunning from behind.
Which one should you use?
While hinterlistig implies a sneaky, cunning or treacherous character, the word betrügerisch is more commonly used to describe actions or methods that are fraudulent or involve actual scams.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, hinterlistig follows standard German adjective declension rules based on the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- German has a specific idiom for a particular kind of deceit: jemandem einen Bären aufbinden, which literally means 'to tie a bear onto someone'.
- In traditional German folklore and the tales of the Brothers Grimm, List is often portrayed as a virtue used by the weak to defeat the strong.
- While hinterlistig is negative, the word listig can be a compliment describing someone who is witty or resourceful.
Examples in context
- Tom ist hinterlistig, nicht wahr?Tom is deceitful, isn't he?Tatoeba #8891499 by wolfgangth, translation #3417243 by CK
- Einer der Gründe warum wir die Natur lieben ist, dass sie im Gegensatz zu uns nicht betrügerisch oder hinterlistig ist.One of the reasons that we love nature is that, unlike ourselves, nature is not envious or deceitful.Tatoeba #4784236 by L3581, translation #4779317 by garborg
- Der Politiker hat die Öffentlichkeit mit seinen täuschenden Aussagen hinters Licht geführt.The politician deceived the public with his deceitful statements.
- Der betrügerische Geschäftsmann handelt hinterlistig, um seine Kunden auszutricksen.The deceitful businessman acts cunningly to deceive his customers.
- Mein Nachbar ist wirklich betrügerisch. Pass auf, dass er dich nicht übervorteilt!My neighbor is really deceitful. Be careful not to be taken advantage of by him!
- Er hat mir falsche Informationen gegeben, um mich zu täuschen.He gave me false information to deceive me.
- Der Plan des Feindes war sehr hinterlistig.The enemy's plan was very deceitful.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing a person who cheated them in a business deal.
- SarahEr hat uns mit einem hinterlistigen Plan betrogen.He cheated us with a deceitful plan.
- MaximilianJa, er ist ein wirklich hinterlistiger Mensch.Yes, he is a truly deceitful person.
- SarahWir müssen vorsichtig sein.We must be careful.
- MaximilianDa hast du recht, Sarah.You are right there, Sarah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hinterlistig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
