German word

Mitmensch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɪtˌmɛnʃ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfellow human being

Example

Man muss die Mitmenschen respektvoll behandeln.

People must treat their fellow human beings with respect.

Illustration for Mitmensch (fellow human being)

More examples

Kleine Gesten können einem Mitmenschen den Tag erleichtern.

Small gestures can make the day easier for a fellow human being.

Core concept

Someone standing alongside others as part of the same social world.

Common phrases

  • Mitmenschen unterstützen

    support fellow human beings

  • auf die Bedürfnisse der Mitmenschen eingehen

    address the needs of fellow human beings

Similar words

Andere: People other than oneself, considered as a group.
Leute: People referred to in casual everyday speech.
Mensch: A single human being in the general sense.
Mitbürger: A fellow citizen from the same country or local community.

Definition in German

ein Mensch, den man als Teil der eigenen Gemeinschaft oder Gesellschaft betrachtet.

Word origin

German forms Mitmensch from mit ('with') and Mensch ('person'), a compound naming a person in relation to fellow members of society.

Usage tips

  • Mitmensch often has a formal or morally serious tone, while everyday speech more often uses Leute or andere Menschen.

Opposites

  • Selbstsuchtselfishnessnoun

Related words

  • Mitmenschlichkeithumanenessnoun

Word lists with this word