bleib bescheiden
To say "stay humble" in German, you say bleib bescheiden.
The adjective bescheiden can mean "humble" in a moral sense, but it is also the standard word for "modest" when referring to one's possessions or requirements, such as a modest house.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb bleib (stay/remain) and the adjective bescheiden (humble/modest).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form bleib bescheiden is the singular imperative used when addressing one person informally. If you are addressing two or more people informally, use bleibt bescheiden. For formal contexts, whether addressing one person or many, use the imperative bleiben Sie bescheiden. Additionally, Sei demütig is an informal expression meaning "be humble".
Did you know?
- The word bescheiden comes from the verb scheiden, which means 'to separate' or 'to divide'. Originally, being 'humble' meant you had been 'assigned' or 'allotted' a specific small portion of something.
- While bleib bescheiden is a positive command, the related word bescheidenheit can sometimes be viewed negatively in modern German business culture, where it may be confused with a lack of confidence or ambition.
- The word bescheiden can sometimes carry a slightly patronizing tone if used to describe someone's grand ambitions as being too small.
Examples in context
- In dieser herausfordernden Phase sollten wir alle bescheiden bleiben und zusammenarbeiten.In this challenging phase, we should all stay humble and work together.
- Du hast viel erreicht, aber bleib bitte bescheiden und vergiss nicht, woher du kommst.You have achieved a lot, but please stay humble and don't forget where you come from.
- Sei demütig und teile dein Wissen mit anderen, ohne überheblich zu sein.Be humble and share your knowledge with others without being arrogant.
- Egal wie erfolgreich du wirst, denk immer daran, bescheiden zu bleiben.No matter how successful you become, always remember to stay humble.
- Sei stolz auf deine Leistungen, aber vergiss niemals, bescheiden zu bleiben.Be proud of your accomplishments, but never forget to stay humble.
- Eine echte Führungsqualität besteht darin, seine Demut auch in schwierigen Situationen zu bewahren.A true leadership quality is maintaining humility even in challenging situations.
- Trotz deines Erfolgs solltest du bescheiden bleiben.Despite your success, you should stay humble.
- Trotz deines Erfolgs, bleib bescheiden.Despite your success, stay humble.
- Egal wie berühmt du wirst, bleib bescheiden.No matter how famous you become, stay humble.
- Du bist ein guter Sportler, bleib bescheiden.You are a good athlete, stay humble.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking after one of them won a prestigious award.
- JuliaHerzlichen Glückwunsch zu deinem Preis, Maximilian!Congratulations on your award, Maximilian!
- MaximilianDanke, Julia, ich bin wirklich sehr dankbar.Thanks, Julia, I am really very grateful.
- JuliaDas ist toll, aber bleib bescheiden.That is great, but stay humble.
- MaximilianNatürlich, das werde ich machen.Of course, I will do that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bescheiden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
