nett
/nɛt/
The German word for kind is nett.
Nett is used to describe someone who is benevolent, courteous, friendly or generous. In common practice, however, it is more frequently used in a casual sense to mean 'nice' or 'pleasant' rather than implying deep moral benevolence. Be aware that calling a person nett can sometimes function as a backhanded compliment, subtly implying that they are pleasant but perhaps unremarkable or lacking depth.
Meaning: benevolent, courteous, friendly, generous (adj)
Which one should you use?
While nett can mean kind, it is often used for a general sense of being nice. If you want to express a profound, saint-like or highly formal benevolence, the stronger alternative is gütig.
How does it change in a sentence?
The comparative form of nett is netter, and the superlative form is am nettesten.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɛt/
Did you know?
- The word nett shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'neat'. Both words trace their roots back to the Latin 'nitidus', meaning 'shining' or 'bright'.
- While 'kind' in English is often used as a noun for a type or sort, the German word nett is strictly an adjective for personality. You cannot use it to describe a 'kind' of fruit or object.
Examples in context
- Sei nett zu ihm!Be kind to him.This sentence shows how to use nett when telling someone to be kind to a male.Tatoeba #4886984 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2799029 by Hybrid
- Sei nett zu ihr!Be kind to her.This sentence shows how to use nett when telling someone to be kind to a female.Tatoeba #4886985 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2799030 by Hybrid
- Wie nett von dir!How kind of you!This sentence shows how to use nett to express appreciation for someone's kindness.Tatoeba #657405 by al_ex_an_der, translation #36036 by CM
- Die Verkäuferin war sehr freundlich und hat mir geholfen.The saleswoman was very kind and helped me.
- Der Kellner war äußerst höflich zu uns.The waiter was extremely polite to us.
- Die neue Nachbarin ist sehr liebenswürdig und hilfsbereit.The new neighbor is very kind and helpful.
- Meine Freundin ist immer nett zu ihren Mitmenschen.My friend is always kind to others.
- Meine Oma ist die liebste Person, die ich kenne.My grandma is the kindest person I know.
- 195 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are talking about a coworker.
- JuliaIst dein neuer Kollege nett?Is your new colleague kind?
- FelixJa, er ist sehr nett.Yes, he is very kind.
- JuliaDas freut mich für dich.I am happy for you.
- FelixEr hilft mir oft bei der Arbeit.He helps me often with work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nett, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nett, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
