German word

brav

Pronunciation

IPA/bʁaːf/

Meaning

  • adjectivewell-behaved

Example

Meine Tochter ist ein braves Kind.

My daughter is a well-behaved child.

Illustration for brav (well-behaved)

More examples

Auf der Party war sie brav und trank nur Wasser.

At the party, she was well-behaved and drank only water.

Core concept

A person who stays within expected boundaries and causes little disruption.

Common phrases

  • ein braves Kind

    a well-behaved child

  • braves Verhalten

    well-behaved behavior

Similar words

artig: Polite, pleasant, and willing to behave as expected.
gehorsam: Willing to follow orders and instructions without resistance.
anständig: Behaving properly according to accepted social standards.
folgsam: Ready to follow other people's wishes without much resistance.

Definition in German

Artig und folgsam; handelt vernünftig und unauffällig.

Word origin

The adjective entered German from French brave, ultimately Italian bravo, and developed a specifically German sense of proper, compliant behavior.

Usage tips

  • Brav can sound approving for children but mildly patronizing or critical when applied to adults, depending on context.

Other meanings

  • obedientadjective
  • quietadjective

Opposites

  • ungezogenbadly behavedadjective
  • frechcheekyadjective

Related words

  • Bravheitobediencenoun

Word lists with this word