German word

ehrlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːɐ̯lɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivehonest

Example

Er ist ein ehrlicher Mann.

He is an honest man.

Illustration for ehrlich (honest)

More examples

Das ist eine ehrliche Antwort.

That is an honest answer.

Core concept

A person whose words match the truth and contain no hidden deception.

Common phrases

  • ehrliche Antwort

    honest answer

  • ehrliche Meinung

    honest opinion

  • ehrliches Gespräch

    honest conversation

Similar words

aufrichtig: Showing genuine sincerity by expressing heartfelt thoughts as they are.
direkt: Speaking plainly and directly to the essential point.
offen: Candidly sharing feelings or information instead of keeping them hidden.

Definition in German

Eine Person oder Aussage, die die Wahrheit sagt und nicht absichtlich täuscht.

Word origin

Ehrlich comes from Middle High German erlîch, related to Ehre ('honor') and the adjective-forming suffix -lich, and originally meant honorable.

Usage tips

  • In ehrlich gesagt, ehrlich usually introduces a frank personal opinion and often translates as 'frankly' rather than describing a person's general character.

Other meanings

  • frankadjective
  • sincereadjective

Opposites

  • unehrlichdishonestadjective
  • verlogendeceitfuladjective

Related words

  • Ehrlichkeithonestynoun
  • ehrlicherweisehonestlyadverb

Word lists with this word