German word

wacker

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvakɐ/

Meaning

  • adjectivebrave

Example

Der wackere Feuerwehrmann rettete das Kind.

The brave firefighter rescued the child.

Illustration for wacker (brave)

More examples

Im Turnier zeigte der Boxer einen wackeren Kampf.

In the tournament, the boxer put up a brave fight.

Core concept

A dependable person who stands firm and acts boldly when danger demands it.

Common phrases

  • eine wackere Leistung

    a brave achievement

  • einen wackeren Kampf

    a brave fight

Similar words

mutig: Facing danger without giving in to fear.
tapfer: Keeping courage through hardship, suffering, or pain.
beherzt: Acting with firm resolve and powerful determination.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet eine Person oder Handlung, die in Gefahr tapfer und verlässlich handelt.

Word origin

German wacker descends from Middle High German wacker and Old High German wachar, forms related to wach and wachen and originally associated with alertness.

Usage tips

  • Wacker is somewhat literary or old-fashioned for brave, while the common modern choice is often mutig.

Other meanings

  • valiantadjective
  • staunchadjective

Opposites

  • feigecowardlyadjective
  • zaghafthesitantadjective

Related words

  • Wackerkeitbraverynoun

Word lists with this word