German word

nett

Pronunciation

IPA/nɛt/

Meaning

  • adjectivenice

Example

Ein netter Mann hilft uns heute.

A nice man is helping us today.

Illustration for nett (nice)

More examples

Sie war nett zu mir, als ich neu war.

She was nice to me when I was new.

Core concept

A person whose small courtesies make social interaction comfortable and pleasant.

Common phrases

  • nett zu jemandem

    nice to someone

  • sehr nett

    very nice

  • nette Geste

    nice gesture

Similar words

freundlich: Approaches others in a warm and welcoming manner.
höflich: Uses respectful language and displays proper manners.
sympathisch: Creates a favorable impression through an appealing personality.
lieb: Acts with kindness, tenderness, and affectionate care.

Definition in German

liebenswürdig und hilfsbereit; im Umgang angenehm und rücksichtsvoll

Word origin

German nett was borrowed from French net, meaning clear or neat, and developed the sense of being pleasant and agreeable.

Usage tips

  • Nett is usually less intimate than lieb, so it describes agreeable behavior without necessarily expressing affection.

Other meanings

  • kindadjective

Opposites

  • gemeinmeanadjective
  • unfreundlichunfriendlyadjective

Related words

  • Nettigkeitkindnessnoun

Word lists with this word