sanft
/zanft/
The English phrase 'gentle' is translated into German as sanft. Wiktionary also lists sanftmütig.
Meaning: soft and mild rather than hard or severe (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| sanft | /zanft/ (standard) /sɑnft/ (Austria) |
| sanftmütig | /ˈzanftˌmyːtɪç/ /-ˌmyːtɪk/ |
Sanft is used to describe things that are soft or mild rather than hard or severe. It is the standard term for sensory experiences, such as a gentle breeze, a soft touch or a gentle slope. If you wish to express an idea involving caution, care and gentleness, you might use the term behutsam.
Which one should you use?
While sanft describes a quality of a sensation or an action, sanftmütig is used specifically to describe a person's mild-mannered or gentle temperament.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sanft can also function as an adverb meaning 'gently' without changing its form.
How do you pronounce it?
/zanft/
Did you know?
- The word sanft may be related to the Proto-Indo-European root *sem-, which means 'one' or 'whole'. This suggests that the original idea of 'gentle' was linked to the concept of being unified or complete.
- The term behutsam describes a specific kind of gentleness rooted in the word Hut, meaning 'guard' or 'care'. It describes a gentleness born from the desire to protect something from harm.
- While sanft describes a mild temperament, the compound Sanftmut refers to the specific Christian virtue of 'meekness' or 'gentleness', a concept central to many historical German theological texts.
Examples in context
- Der Hund ist sehr sanft.That dog is very gentle.This sentence is useful for describing the temperament of an animal using sanft.Tatoeba #2393823 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2253921 by _undertoad
- Es weht ein sanfter Wind.A gentle wind is blowing.This sentence is useful for describing a natural sensation like wind using sanft.Tatoeba #2311307 by Tamy, translation #43226 by CM
- Sei sanft, aber bestimmt.Be gentle, but firm.This sentence is useful for giving instructions on how to behave using sanft.Tatoeba #4320478 by brauchinet, translation #3605326 by karloelkebekio
- Er behandelt seine Patienten immer sehr sanft und einfühlsam.He always treats his patients very gently and empathetically.
- Das Baby hat eine zarte Haut.The baby has gentle/delicate skin.
- Die Musik ist sehr leise und sanft.The music is very soft and gentle.
- Bitte sei behutsam mit dem Porzellan.Please be gentle/cautious with the porcelain.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix is showing Hannah how to touch a fragile plant.
- FelixFass die Blätter bitte ganz sanft an.Please touch the leaves very gently.
- HannahIch passe auf, Felix.I'll be careful, Felix.
- FelixDanke, die Pflanze ist sehr empfindlich.Thanks, the plant is very sensitive.
- HannahIch bin wirklich sanft damit.I am being really gentle with it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gentle” translations and entries sanft, sanftmütig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sanft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
