heuchlerisch
[ˈhɔɪ̯çləʁɪʃ]
The English word "hypocritical" is translated into German as heuchlerisch. Wiktionary also lists gleisnerisch.
Meaning: characterized by hypocrisy or being a hypocrite (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| heuchlerisch | [ˈhɔɪ̯çləʁɪʃ] (narrow) |
| gleisnerisch |
The adjective heuchlerisch is used to describe someone or something characterized by hypocrisy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form for the concept of hypocrisy is Heuchlerei, and the noun for a person who is a hypocrite is Heuchler.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Note that gleisnerisch is a misspelling and is not a standard German word. You should use heuchlerisch instead.
Did you know?
- The word Heuchler is thought to be related to the Old High German word for 'to trick' or 'to deceive', suggesting the root of hypocrisy is tied to a physical act of trickery.
- In German, calling someone a Heuchler carries a heavy moral weight that can feel more personal and accusatory than the somewhat clinical 'hypocrite' in English.
- In German, the term Heuchler is often used in religious contexts to describe those who follow the letter of the law but ignore its spirit, mirroring the biblical 'hypocrite'.
Examples in context
- Bin ich heuchlerisch?Am I being hypocritical?This sentence is useful for asking if one is being heuchlerisch.Tatoeba #13472787 by mhr, translation #13472782 by frpzzd
- Ich habe noch nie jemanden gekannt, der so heuchlerisch ist wie du.I've never known anyone as hypocritical as you.This sentence is useful for describing someone as being as heuchlerisch as the speaker has ever known.Tatoeba #4639440 by Emtyra, translation #4638708 by CK
- Sag die Wahrheit in einer heuchlerischen, lügnerischen Welt und du wirst für verrückt gehalten werden.Tell the truth in a hypocritical, mendacious world, and you'll be taken for insane.This sentence is useful for describing a world as being heuchlerisch and mendacious.Tatoeba #13163034 by maaster, translation #13163050 by rul
- Es ist offensichtlich, dass er sich scheinheilig verhält, indem er andere für Fehler kritisiert, obwohl er selbst nicht besser ist.It is evident that he behaves hypocritically by criticizing others for their mistakes, even though he is not any better himself.
- Er hat eine heuchelige Art, seine Freunde nach Hilfe zu fragen, obwohl er sie nie unterstützt, wenn sie in Schwierigkeiten sind.He has a hypocritical way of asking his friends for help, even though he never supports them when they're in trouble.
- Es ist unglaublich, wie er über die Doppelmoral einiger Politiker spricht, während er selbst genau dasselbe tut.It's incredible how he talks about the double standards of some politicians while doing exactly the same himself.
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are discussing a coworker's behavior.
- LukasSein Verhalten ist wirklich heuchlerisch.His behavior is really hypocritical.
- HannahJa, er sagt das eine, aber macht das andere.Yes, he says one thing, but does another.
- LukasDas finde ich sehr anstrengend.I find that very exhausting.
- HannahIch stimme dir absolut zu.I absolutely agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hypocritical” translations and entries heuchlerisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries heuchlerisch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
