German word

Fleiß

Pronunciation

IPA/flaɪ̯s/

Meaning

  • masculine noundiligence

Example

Er erledigt die Aufgaben mit großem Fleiß.

He completes the tasks with great diligence.

Illustration for Fleiß (diligence)

More examples

Der Lehrer lobte ihren Fleiß beim Üben.

The teacher praised her diligence while she was practicing.

Core concept

A worker keeps applying focused effort to a task until even its small details are properly handled.

Common phrases

  • mit Fleiß lernen

    study diligently

  • großen Fleiß zeigen

    show great diligence

  • Fleiß und Disziplin

    diligence and discipline

Similar words

Ausdauer: The ability to keep going and finish despite difficulties.
Sorgfalt: Careful attention to detail that helps prevent mistakes.
Engagement: Willing, enthusiastic involvement in a task or cause.
Eifer: A burst of intense enthusiasm that drives vigorous effort.

Definition in German

Eifrige, beständige Beschäftigung mit Arbeit oder Lernen und sorgfältige Ausführung.

Word origin

The German noun Fleiß developed from the inherited Germanic form flīz, whose sense included eager effort and conscientious application.

Usage tips

  • The common adjective fleißig often describes a person or study habit, while Fleiß names the quality or effort itself.

Opposites

  • Faulheitlazinessnoun
  • Nachlässigkeitnegligencenoun

Related words

  • fleißigdiligentadjective
  • Fleißigkeitdiligencenoun
  • fleißhaftdiligentadjective

Word lists with this word