gehorsam
/ɡəˈhoːɐ̯ˌzaːm/
The English adverb "obediently" is translated into German as gehorsam.
gehorsam is used to describe actions performed in an obedient manner.
Meaning: in an obedient manner (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
In German, gehorsam functions as both an adjective and an adverb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈhoːɐ̯ˌzaːm/
Did you know?
- The word gehorsam is built from the root hören, which means 'to hear'. In the German mindset, to be obedient is literally to be 'hearing' or 'listening' to someone.
- In modern German, describing an adult as gehorsam can sometimes sound condescending, as the word is now more commonly associated with children or dogs.
- In some German historical contexts, the phrase gehorsam dienen (to serve obediently) was a standard way to end formal letters.
Examples in context
- Sie hat sich artig verhalten.She behaved obediently.
- Er hat brav auf seine Eltern gehört.He obediently listened to his parents.
- Der Hund folgte seinem Besitzer gehorsam.The dog followed its owner obediently.
- Die Kinder führten die Anweisung gehorsam aus.The children carried out the instruction obediently.
- Sie warteten gehorsam auf das Signal.They waited obediently for the signal.
Example conversation
Hannah is talking to Felix about his new puppy.
- HannahWie läuft es mit deinem neuen Welpen?How is it going with your new puppy?
- FelixEr lernt schnell und hört meistens gehorsam.He learns quickly and mostly listens obediently.
- HannahDas ist wirklich toll zu hören, Felix.That is really great to hear, Felix.
- FelixJa, er macht alles, was ich sage.Yes, he does everything I say.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obediently” translations and entries gehorsam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
