German word

tapfer

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtapfɐ/

Meaning

  • adjectivebrave

Example

Er ist tapferer als sein Bruder.

He is braver than his brother.

Illustration for tapfer (brave)

More examples

Er schlug sich tapfer im Turnier.

He fought bravely in the tournament.

Core concept

A steady person faces danger without giving way, showing courage through persistent action rather than a lack of fear.

Common phrases

  • sich tapfer schlagen

    fight bravely

  • tapfer bleiben

    stay brave

  • eine tapfere Tat

    a brave deed

Similar words

mutig: Willing to act despite fear or hesitation.
couragiert: Showing courage when facing injustice, opposition, or serious difficulty.

Definition in German

Angst zum Trotz Mut zeigen; besonders standhaft sein und nicht zurückweichen.

Word origin

German inherited tapfer from earlier Germanic forms, including Middle High German tapfer and Old High German tapfar, with an earlier sense of firmness or strength.

Usage tips

  • Tapfer can describe conduct during illness or other hardship, not only courage in combat or physical danger.

Other meanings

  • valiantadjective
  • boldadjective

Opposites

  • feigecowardlyadjective

Related words

  • Tapferkeitbraverynoun
  • Tapferkeitsmedaillemedal for braverynoun

Word lists with this word