gutaussehender Mann
The English phrase "handsome man" is translated into German as gutaussehender Mann.
The base form of the adjective is gutaussehend, which is used when it is not preceded by an article or is used in a predicate position (e.g., 'Er ist gutaussehend').
Which one should you use?
While gutaussehender Mann is a standard way to say handsome, hübscher Mann is also used but can sometimes carry a slightly more 'pretty' or 'cute' connotation depending on context.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the phrase is the direct object of a sentence, the adjective ending changes to -en and the noun takes the accusative form einen gutaussehenden Mann. In the genitive case, the phrase becomes des gutaussehenden Mannes.
Did you know?
- The word Mann can refer to a husband in a domestic context, meaning gutaussehender Mann could specifically imply a 'handsome husband' depending on the setting.
- Be careful with the word schön, which means 'beautiful'. While you can say ein schöner Mann, it sounds more poetic or intense than the everyday gutaussehend, almost as if he is a work of art.
- The English word 'man' and the German word Mann are linguistic cousins. They both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root, *mon-, which is the reason they look so similar.
Examples in context
- Er war ein gutaussehender Mann.He was a handsome man.This sentence uses gutaussehender Mann to describe a man in the past tense.Tatoeba #10082022 by wolfgangth, translation #2797038 by CM
- Tom ist ein gutaussehender Mann.Tom is a handsome man.This sentence uses gutaussehender Mann to describe a man in the present tense.Tatoeba #1941148 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1025172 by CK
- „Du bist eine schöne Frau.“ – „Und du bist ein gutaussehender Mann.“"You're a beautiful woman." "And you're a handsome man."This sentence shows a dialogue using gutaussehender Mann as a compliment.Tatoeba #12706157 by Waldelfe, translation #10882092 by Amastan
- Sie sind ein attraktiver Mann.You are an attractive man.
- Sie sind ein ausgesprochen gutaussehender Mann.You are an exceptionally good-looking man.
- Du bist ein attraktiver Kerl.You are an attractive guy.
- Du bist echt gutaussehend!You are really good-looking!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are talking about a new colleague.
- LukasHast du den neuen Kollegen schon gesehen?Have you seen the new colleague yet?
- SarahJa, er ist wirklich ein gutaussehender Mann.Yes, he is really a handsome man.
- LukasDas stimmt, er sieht sehr sympathisch aus.That's true, he looks very friendly.
- SarahIch glaube, viele werden ihn mögen.I think many people will like him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mann, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
