Heuchler
/ˈhɔɪ̯çlɐ/masculine
The German word for "hypocrite" is Heuchler.
Heuchler is a noun used to describe a person who practices hypocrisy.
Meaning: person practising hypocrisy (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun Heuchler is used for a male hypocrite, and its plural form remains Heuchler. To refer to a female hypocrite, use the feminine form Heuchlerin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhɔɪ̯çlɐ/
Did you know?
- While Heuchler describes a hypocrite, German uses the specific word Doppelzüngigkeit to describe the act of 'double-tonguedness', referring to someone who says different things to different people.
- While English uses 'hypocrite' from Greek, Heuchler is purely Germanic in origin, making it a 'native' German word rather than a loanword.
- Unlike English, where 'hypocrite' can be used jokingly between friends, Heuchler is rarely used in a lighthearted way and is almost always a serious accusation.
Examples in context
- Du bist ein Heuchler.You're a hypocrite.This sentence is useful for addressing someone directly as a Heuchler.Tatoeba #2397100 by Zaghawa, translation #2218025 by CK
- Tom ist ein Heuchler.Tom is a hypocrite.This sentence is useful for identifying Tom as a Heuchler.Tatoeba #5489481 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1093501 by CK
- Was für ein Heuchler!What a hypocrite!This sentence is useful for expressing an exclamation about a Heuchler.Tatoeba #7500333 by Yorwba, translation #4495407 by CK
- Er ist ein scheinheiliger PolitikerHe is a hypocritical politician
- Die Firma ist doppelzüngig und handelt gegen ihre eigenen PrinzipienThe company is hypocritical and acts against its own principles
- Er gibt vor, moralisch zu sein, aber er ist ein HeuchlerHe pretends to be moral, but he is a hypocrite
- Sie ist eine Scheinmoralistin, die sehr viel Kritik übtShe is a hypocrite who criticizes a lot
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing a former colleague's behavior.
- MaximilianEr ist ein totaler Heuchler.He is a total hypocrite.
- LauraDas stimmt, er sagt das nur für die Außenwirkung.That's true, he only says that for the sake of appearances.
- MaximilianIch kann mit einem solchen Heuchler nicht arbeiten.I cannot work with such a hypocrite.
- LauraDas verstehe ich vollkommen.I completely understand that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hypocrite” translations and entries Heuchler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
