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B1 noun #9,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

Hochmut

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Hochmut en 30 secondes

Explication Hochmut in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'Hochmut' very often because it is a complex idea. However, it is good to know that it means 'very, very proud' in a bad way. Imagine a person who thinks they are a king and everyone else is small. That is 'Hochmut.' You might hear the sentence 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.' This means: If you are too proud and mean to others, something bad will happen to you soon. At this level, just remember that 'Hochmut' is a negative word. It is not like 'stolz' (proud), which can be good. If you win a game, you are 'stolz.' If you win a game and then laugh at the person who lost and say 'I am the best and you are nothing,' that is 'Hochmut.' It is a masculine noun: 'der Hochmut.' You can think of it as 'High' (hoch) + 'Mind/Mood' (Mut). A 'High Mind' that is too high up in the clouds.

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At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between 'Stolz' and 'Hochmut.' 'Stolz' is what you feel when you do a good job. 'Hochmut' is when you think you are better than everyone else. It is a character trait. In German stories or fables, the 'bad' characters often have 'Hochmut.' They are 'hochmütig' (the adjective). You might see this word in simple books or hear it in proverbs. The most important thing to learn is the phrase 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.' It is a very common saying in Germany. People use it when someone is being too confident and then they make a mistake. For example, if a soccer team says 'We will win 10-0' and then they lose the game, people say: 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.' It is a lesson about being modest (bescheiden). You use 'der' with 'Hochmut,' and it usually has no plural. You can say 'Er zeigt viel Hochmut' (He shows a lot of arrogance).

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At the B1 level, 'Hochmut' becomes a useful word for describing characters in books or people in the news. It is more formal than 'Arroganz.' While 'Arroganz' describes a person's behavior in a specific moment, 'Hochmut' describes a deeper attitude toward life. It is often used in a moral or religious context. In Germany, there is a strong cultural value on being 'down-to-earth' (bodenständig). 'Hochmut' is the opposite of that. You will find it in newspapers when journalists criticize politicians who seem to ignore the problems of normal people. You should also learn the adjective 'hochmütig.' For example, 'Er blickte hochmütig auf die anderen herab' (He looked down haughtily at the others). Notice the preposition 'auf... herabblicken' which often goes with this word. Learning 'Hochmut' helps you understand the 'Seven Deadly Sins' (die sieben Todsünden) in a German context, where it is often listed as the first and most serious sin.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'Hochmut' to discuss complex themes like hubris in literature or history. It is a key term when talking about the 'Tragedy' (die Tragödie). A hero in a play often has a 'tragic flaw,' and in German, this is frequently 'Hochmut.' You can use it to analyze why a historical figure failed. For example, 'Der Hochmut Napoleons führte zu seinem Scheitern in Russland.' (Napoleon's hubris led to his failure in Russia). You should also be able to compare 'Hochmut' with 'Überheblichkeit' and 'Dünkel.' 'Überheblichkeit' is often about overestimating one's own abilities, while 'Hochmut' is a more general sense of superiority. 'Dünkel' is specifically about social class. At this level, you can also use 'Hochmut' in more abstract sentences, like 'Der Hochmut der Moderne gegenüber der Natur' (The hubris of modernity toward nature). It adds a sophisticated, critical tone to your German.

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At the C1 level, you should understand the philosophical and historical nuances of 'Hochmut.' It is deeply tied to the concept of 'Hybris' from Greek mythology. In intellectual discourse, 'Hochmut' is used to describe a metaphysical stance—a human being trying to take the place of God or nature. You might encounter it in the works of Nietzsche or Goethe. For instance, in 'Faust,' the protagonist's quest for absolute knowledge can be seen as a form of intellectual 'Hochmut.' You should also be familiar with related terms like 'Dünkelhaftigkeit' or 'Anmaßung' (presumption). When writing essays, 'Hochmut' is a powerful word to describe systemic failures in institutions. For example, you could write about 'institutioneller Hochmut,' where an organization becomes so convinced of its own excellence that it stops innovating or listening to criticism. It is a word that carries a strong ethical judgment and suggests a lack of 'Selbstreflexion' (self-reflection).

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At the C2 level, you can use 'Hochmut' with absolute precision in stylistic variations. You understand that 'Hochmut' is not just a synonym for 'pride' but a specific cultural and theological construct. You can discuss how the meaning of 'Mut' changed from 'spirit/mind' to 'courage,' and how 'Hochmut' preserved the older meaning. You might use it in a highly ironical or literary sense. For example, 'In seinem beispiellosen Hochmut wähnte er sich über die Gesetze der Logik erhaben.' (In his unprecedented hubris, he imagined himself above the laws of logic). You can also explore the dialectic between 'Hochmut' and 'Melancholie' in Baroque literature. At this level, you recognize 'Hochmut' as a 'leitmotif' in German cultural history, representing the danger of the 'Ich-AG' (the ego-centered individual) long before the term existed. Your usage should reflect an awareness of the word's gravity, using it to puncture pretension or to describe the tragic arc of human ambition in its most elevated form.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Hochmut en 30 secondes

Hochmut is a masculine German noun meaning 'arrogance' or 'hubris.'
It is strictly negative, unlike the word 'Stolz' (pride).
The most famous phrase is 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall' (Pride comes before a fall).
It is used in formal, literary, and moral contexts to describe an inflated ego.

The German noun Hochmut is a profound and somewhat traditional term that translates most accurately to 'arrogance,' 'haughtiness,' or 'hubris.' Unlike the English word 'pride,' which can be either positive (being proud of an achievement) or negative, Hochmut is almost exclusively negative. It describes a state of mind where an individual places themselves far above others, often losing touch with reality and moral boundaries. Historically, the word is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition as one of the seven deadly sins (die Todsünden), representing the ultimate spiritual failure of putting one's own ego before the divine or the community.

Etymological Core: The word is a compound of 'hoch' (high) and 'Mut'. In modern German, 'Mut' usually means courage, but its older Germanic root refers to a state of mind, mood, or spirit. Thus, Hochmut literally means having a 'high spirit' or 'lofty mind' in a way that is disconnected from humility.

In contemporary conversation, you might not hear Hochmut as often as its synonym Arroganz, but it carries a much heavier weight. When someone uses Hochmut, they aren't just saying a person is rude; they are suggesting a fundamental character flaw that often leads to a spectacular failure. It is the 'pride' in the famous proverb 'Pride comes before a fall,' which in German is perfectly captured as Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

Sein extremer Hochmut hinderte ihn daran, die Ratschläge seiner Freunde anzunehmen, was letztendlich zu seinem Ruin führte.

Social Context: In German culture, which often values modesty (Bescheidenheit) and social cohesion, Hochmut is viewed as a particularly grating trait. It is the opposite of 'Bodenständigkeit' (being down-to-earth).

In der griechischen Tragödie ist der Hochmut (Hybris) oft der Grund für den Untergang des Helden.

When analyzing literature or political discourse, Hochmut is used to describe leaders who believe they are above the law or above the common people. It suggests a blindness caused by power. For example, a CEO who ignores safety warnings because they believe their company is 'too big to fail' might be described as acting out of Hochmut.

Distinction from Arroganz: While 'Arroganz' is a behavior, Hochmut is often seen as a deeper, more ingrained personality trait or a moral failing. 'Arroganz' is often used for social snobbery, whereas Hochmut has a more existential or philosophical connotation.

Man warf dem Minister Hochmut vor, da er die Sorgen der Bürger völlig ignorierte.

Ihr Hochmut war so groß, dass sie keine Hilfe von anderen annehmen konnte.

Wer den Hochmut nicht ablegt, wird einsam sterben.

Ultimately, Hochmut is a word that warns. It is a cautionary term used to remind people that no matter how successful they become, they remain human and fallible. It is a key concept in German ethics and literature, representing the bridge between simple vanity and tragic self-destruction.

Using Hochmut correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical constraints and its tone. As a noun, it is masculine (der Hochmut) and is almost exclusively used in the singular. It is an abstract concept, meaning you don't 'have a Hochmut,' but rather you 'possess' it or 'act out of' it. Because it is a strong moral term, it is most often found in formal writing, literature, or when making a serious criticism of someone's character.

Subject of a Sentence: When Hochmut is the subject, it often 'blinds' or 'leads' someone to a certain outcome. It is portrayed as an active force that influences the person's judgment.

Sein Hochmut vernebelte ihm die Sicht auf die Realität.

In this sentence, Hochmut is personified as something that creates a 'fog' (vernebeln), showing how it prevents clear thinking. This is a very common way to describe the effect of arrogance in German literature.

Using Prepositions: Commonly used with 'aus' (out of) to describe the motivation for an action. 'Aus Hochmut' explains why someone did something rude or foolish.

Sie lehnte die Einladung nur aus reinem Hochmut ab.

Another frequent construction involves 'voller' (full of). If a person is 'voller Hochmut,' they are completely consumed by their own sense of superiority. This is a very descriptive way to paint a picture of a character's internal state.

Er blickte voller Hochmut auf seine Konkurrenten herab.

The Proverbial Use: The most famous use of the word is in the proverb 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.' It is often used as a standalone comment when someone who was acting arrogantly experiences a failure.

Nachdem der Favorit das Spiel verloren hatte, sagten viele: „Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.“

In philosophical or religious texts, Hochmut is often paired with its opposite, 'Demut' (humility). Comparing the two helps clarify the boundaries of the word. While 'Demut' is the recognition of one's own limitations, Hochmut is the active denial of those limitations.

Zwischen gesundem Selbstvertrauen und Hochmut liegt ein schmaler Grat.

When writing in German, use Hochmut when you want to sound more sophisticated or when the arrogance you are describing feels like a tragic flaw. It elevates the tone of your criticism from a personal insult to a moral observation. It is a word that carries the weight of centuries of ethical thought, making it a powerful tool in your B1/B2 vocabulary arsenal.

While Hochmut may sound a bit 'old-fashioned' to some, it remains a staple of the German language in specific contexts. You are most likely to encounter it in literature, quality journalism, religious settings, and through one very ubiquitous proverb. Understanding where it appears helps you gauge when it is appropriate to use it yourself.

Classical Literature and Theater: German literature is obsessed with the concept of the 'fallen hero.' From Goethe to Schiller, Hochmut is often the catalyst for a character's downfall. In plays, it is the 'hubris' that angers the gods or fate.

In Schillers Werken wird der Hochmut der Mächtigen oft thematisiert.

If you visit a German theater or read a classic novel like 'Faust,' you will see Hochmut treated as a fundamental human struggle. It is the desire to be more than human, to transcend natural limits, which inevitably leads to a crash.

News and Political Commentary: Journalists in papers like 'Die Zeit' or 'Der Spiegel' use Hochmut to describe political parties or leaders who have lost touch with their voters. It is a common critique of the 'political elite.'

Der Kommentar kritisierte den Hochmut der Regierung gegenüber den Protesten.

In these contexts, Hochmut implies a structural problem—a group of people who believe they know better than everyone else and refuse to listen. It is often paired with words like 'Ignoranz' (ignorance) and 'Abgehobenheit' (being out of touch/detached).

Religious and Ethical Discourse: In churches or during ethical debates, Hochmut is discussed as the 'root of all evil.' It is the opposite of Christian humility. Even in secular ethics, it is used to describe the danger of human over-engineering or environmental destruction.

Die Predigt handelte von der Gefahr des Hochmutes in einer materialistischen Welt.

Finally, the most common place you will hear this word is in everyday life when someone fails after being too confident. Even people who don't use 'sophisticated' language will use the proverb. It’s a cultural 'I told you so.'

„Tja, Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall“, sagte sie, als sein riskantes Geschäft scheiterte.

Whether in a high-brow editorial or a casual observation about a neighbor's failed DIY project, Hochmut is the go-to word for that specific type of pride that invites disaster. Hearing it helps you understand the moral landscape of the German-speaking world.

Learning to use Hochmut correctly involves avoiding several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. Because English uses the word 'pride' for both positive and negative contexts, the distinction in German can be confusing. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using it Positively: This is the biggest error. You can never say 'Ich habe Hochmut auf meine Kinder' (I have pride in my children). This sounds like you are saying your children are a tool for your own arrogance.

Falsch: Mein Hochmut über den Sieg war groß.
Richtig: Mein Stolz über den Sieg war groß.

Always use Stolz for positive pride. Hochmut is a character flaw, not a feeling of accomplishment.

Mistake 2: Pluralization: Students sometimes try to say 'seine Hochmüte' (his prides). In German, Hochmut is an uncountable abstract noun (Singularetantum). It has no plural form.

Man kann nicht verschiedene Hochmüte haben, nur ein hohes Maß an Hochmut.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Übermut': Another 'Mut' word! 'Übermut' means being high-spirited, cocky, or playful in a way that might be slightly dangerous (like a child running too fast). It is much less severe than Hochmut.

Kinder handeln oft aus Übermut, aber selten aus Hochmut.

Confusing these two can change the meaning of your sentence from 'they were being playful' to 'they were being morally arrogant.'

Mistake 4: Using it for Social Shyness: Sometimes people who are shy are perceived as arrogant. However, Hochmut implies an active, internal belief in one's superiority. If someone just seems cold, 'Arroganz' or 'Unnahbarkeit' (unapproachability) are better choices.

Er ist nicht hochmütig, er ist nur schüchtern.

By keeping Hochmut in its 'moral failure' box and using Stolz for 'good pride' and Übermut for 'recklessness,' you will sound much more like a native speaker. Precision with these 'Mut' words is a hallmark of an advanced German learner.

German has a rich vocabulary for describing various shades of pride and arrogance. While Hochmut is the most 'classical' and 'moral' term, you have many other options depending on the context and the intensity of the behavior you want to describe.

Arroganz vs. Hochmut: 'Arroganz' is the most common modern alternative. It is often used for social behavior—someone who acts superior in a conversation. Hochmut is deeper; it’s a soul-level arrogance.

Seine Arroganz im Meeting war nervig, aber sein Hochmut wird ihn den Job kosten.

In this example, the 'Arroganz' is a nuisance, but the Hochmut is a fatal flaw.

Überheblichkeit: This word literally means 'lifting oneself over' others. It is very common in professional settings to describe someone who thinks they are more competent than they actually are.

Die Überheblichkeit des Experten führte zu Fehlern in der Planung.

Dünkel: This is an old-fashioned, slightly snobbish word. It often refers to 'Standesdünkel'—the arrogance of someone who thinks they are better because of their social class or family name.

Sein Dünkel machte ihn bei den einfachen Leuten unbeliebt.

If you want to sound like a 19th-century aristocrat or describe one, Dünkel is the perfect word.

Einbildung: Literally 'imagination' or 'conceit.' This is used for someone who 'imagines' they are something special. It is often used for vanity regarding looks or minor talents.

Sie hat viel Einbildung, dabei kann sie gar nicht gut singen.

Having these alternatives allows you to be precise. Calling a child 'hochmütig' might be too harsh; 'eingebildet' or 'frech' (cheeky) might be better. But for a dictator or a tragic figure in a movie, Hochmut is the only word that truly fits the scale of their ego.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'Mut' in German now mostly means 'courage,' but in 'Hochmut,' it preserves the ancient meaning of 'spirit' or 'disposition.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈhoːxmʊt/

US /ˈhoʊxmʊt/

Stress is on the first syllable: HOCH-mut.

Rime avec

Armut Demut Edelmut Gleichmut Sanftmut Wagemut Schwermut Übermut

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ch' like 'k' (it should be a soft rasp).
Pronouncing 'u' like 'oo' in 'moon' (it should be shorter, like in 'put').
Putting stress on the second syllable.
Mispronouncing the 'h' as silent.
Vocalizing the 'ch' too much.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in literature and news, easy to recognize.

Écriture 4/5

Requires care not to confuse with 'Stolz'.

Expression orale 4/5

Pronunciation of 'ch' and 'u' can be tricky.

Écoute 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

hoch Mut stolz fallen schlecht

Apprends ensuite

Demut Bescheidenheit Überheblichkeit Arroganz Hybris

Avancé

Dünkelhaftigkeit Anmaßung Vermessenheit Eingebildetheit Selbstgefälligkeit

Grammaire à connaître

Singularetantum

Hochmut has no plural. You cannot say 'viele Hochmüte'.

Compound Nouns with 'Mut'

Sanftmut, Edelmut, Übermut all follow the masculine 'der' pattern.

Genitive 's' or 'es'

Des Hochmutes (with 'es' because it is a one-syllable root in 'Mut').

Adjective formation with -ig

Hochmütig (arrogant) follows standard adjective declension.

Preposition 'aus' + Dative

Aus reinem Hochmut (purem is dative masculine).

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Exemples par niveau

Er ist sehr reich und zeigt viel Hochmut.

He is very rich and shows a lot of arrogance.

Noun 'Hochmut' is masculine.

Hochmut ist nicht gut für die Freundschaft.

Arrogance is not good for friendship.

Subject of the sentence.

Sein Hochmut macht ihn allein.

His arrogance makes him lonely.

Possessive pronoun 'sein' used with 'Hochmut'.

Wir mögen seinen Hochmut nicht.

We don't like his arrogance.

Accusative case.

Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

Pride comes before a fall.

A famous proverb.

Ist das Stolz oder Hochmut?

Is that pride or arrogance?

Comparing two nouns.

Kein Hochmut, bitte!

No arrogance, please!

Imperative-like phrase.

Er hat viel Geld, aber keinen Hochmut.

He has a lot of money, but no arrogance.

Negative 'keinen' in accusative.

Die Königin war bekannt für ihren Hochmut.

The queen was known for her arrogance.

Genitive/Possessive 'ihren'.

In dem Märchen ist Hochmut eine schlechte Eigenschaft.

In the fairy tale, arrogance is a bad quality.

Noun as a quality.

Man sollte seinen Hochmut kontrollieren.

One should control one's arrogance.

Modal verb 'sollte'.

Warum hast du so viel Hochmut?

Why do you have so much arrogance?

Question form.

Sein Hochmut war der Grund für den Streit.

His arrogance was the reason for the argument.

Predicate nominative.

Ohne Hochmut lebt es sich besser.

One lives better without arrogance.

Preposition 'ohne' takes accusative.

Sie zeigt ihren Hochmut durch teure Kleidung.

She shows her arrogance through expensive clothes.

Preposition 'durch'.

Hochmut trennt die Menschen.

Arrogance separates people.

Simple present verb 'trennt'.

Er blickte mit großem Hochmut auf seine Kollegen herab.

He looked down on his colleagues with great arrogance.

Prepositional phrase 'mit großem Hochmut'.

Ihr Hochmut verhinderte eine schnelle Versöhnung.

Her arrogance prevented a quick reconciliation.

Subject causing an action.

Es war reiner Hochmut, das Angebot abzulehnen.

It was pure arrogance to reject the offer.

Adjective 'reiner' modifying 'Hochmut'.

In der Politik führt Hochmut oft zu Wahlniederlagen.

In politics, arrogance often leads to election defeats.

General observation.

Man darf Selbstbewusstsein nicht mit Hochmut verwechseln.

One must not confuse self-confidence with arrogance.

Comparison of two concepts.

Sein Hochmut war so groß, dass er keine Kritik vertrug.

His arrogance was so great that he couldn't stand criticism.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Aus purem Hochmut ignorierte er die Warnsignale.

Out of pure arrogance, he ignored the warning signs.

Prepositional phrase 'Aus... Hochmut'.

Die Geschichte lehrt uns, dass Hochmut gefährlich ist.

History teaches us that arrogance is dangerous.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

Der Hochmut der Aristokratie war ein Auslöser der Revolution.

The arrogance of the aristocracy was a trigger for the revolution.

Genitive 'der Aristokratie'.

Er scheiterte an seinem eigenen Hochmut.

He failed because of his own arrogance.

Preposition 'an' with dative.

Es ist ein Zeichen von Hochmut, andere Meinungen zu verspotten.

It is a sign of arrogance to mock other opinions.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

In vielen Dramen ist der Hochmut die Wurzel des Übels.

In many dramas, arrogance is the root of evil.

Metaphorical use.

Die Firma handelte mit einem Hochmut, der sie fast ruinierte.

The company acted with an arrogance that almost ruined them.

Relative clause.

Niemand ist vor den Folgen des Hochmutes sicher.

No one is safe from the consequences of arrogance.

Genitive case 'des Hochmutes'.

Ihr Hochmut war eine Maske für ihre Unsicherheit.

Her arrogance was a mask for her insecurity.

Psychological observation.

Bescheidenheit ist das beste Mittel gegen Hochmut.

Modesty is the best remedy for arrogance.

Preposition 'gegen' with accusative.

Der intellektuelle Hochmut mancher Experten stößt viele Menschen ab.

The intellectual hubris of some experts repels many people.

Adjective 'intellektuelle'.

In der Antike wurde Hochmut als Vergehen gegen die Götter bestraft.

In antiquity, hubris was punished as an offense against the gods.

Passive voice.

Sein Hochmut verblendete ihn für die Nöte seiner Mitmenschen.

His hubris blinded him to the needs of his fellow human beings.

Verb 'verblenden' (to blind).

Die Hybris und der Hochmut der Banken führten zur Krise.

The hubris and arrogance of the banks led to the crisis.

Synonyms used together.

Es zeugt von Hochmut, sich über das Gesetz zu stellen.

It shows arrogance to place oneself above the law.

Phrase 'zeugt von' (testifies to).

Trotz seines Erfolges bewahrte er sich vor jeglichem Hochmut.

Despite his success, he kept himself from any arrogance.

Prepositional phrase 'vor jeglichem Hochmut'.

Der Hochmut der Vernunft kann gefährliche Wege einschlagen.

The hubris of reason can take dangerous paths.

Abstract philosophical subject.

Oft ist Hochmut nur die Kehrseite tiefen Minderwertigkeitsgefühls.

Often arrogance is just the other side of a deep sense of inferiority.

Complex sentence structure.

Der Hochmut des Barockzeitalters spiegelt sich in seiner Architektur wider.

The grandiosity/hubris of the Baroque era is reflected in its architecture.

Historical context.

In Goethes 'Faust' wird der menschliche Hochmut auf die Spitze getrieben.

In Goethe's 'Faust', human hubris is taken to the extreme.

Literary analysis.

Man warf ihm vor, mit seinem Hochmut das soziale Gefüge zu sprengen.

He was accused of blowing up the social fabric with his arrogance.

Dative with 'mit'.

Die metaphysische Dimension des Hochmutes ist ein zentrales Thema der Theologie.

The metaphysical dimension of hubris is a central theme of theology.

Academic register.

Sein Hochmut war so tief verwurzelt, dass er jede Form von Demut als Schwäche missdeutete.

His arrogance was so deeply rooted that he misinterpreted every form of humility as weakness.

Double subordinate clause.

Der Hochmut der Sieger ist oft der Keim für den nächsten Konflikt.

The arrogance of the victors is often the seed for the next conflict.

Political/Historical aphorism.

In der Stille der Reflexion erkannte er den Hochmut seiner bisherigen Taten.

In the silence of reflection, he recognized the hubris of his previous actions.

Poetic tone.

Jede Zivilisation trägt das Risiko, an ihrem eigenen Hochmut zugrunde zu gehen.

Every civilization carries the risk of perishing from its own hubris.

Existential statement.

Collocations courantes

blinder Hochmut

grenzenloser Hochmut

Hochmut zeigen

aus Hochmut

voller Hochmut sein

jemanden wegen seines Hochmutes tadeln

intellektueller Hochmut

den Hochmut ablegen

von Hochmut geprägt sein

den Hochmut bestrafen

Phrases Courantes

Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

— The most famous German proverb. It warns that arrogance leads to failure.

Er dachte, er könne nicht verlieren, aber Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

Sich in Hochmut sonnen.

— To revel or bask in one's own arrogance.

Er sonnte sich in seinem Hochmut, während andere arbeiteten.

Einem Hochmut verfallen.

— To succumb to or fall into a state of arrogance.

Nach dem Sieg ist er dem Hochmut verfallen.

Vom Hochmut besessen sein.

— To be possessed or completely controlled by arrogance.

Er scheint vom Hochmut besessen zu sein.

Hochmut und Stolz.

— Often used together to describe a very haughty person.

Hochmut und Stolz waren ihre einzigen Begleiter.

Keine Spur von Hochmut.

— Not a trace of arrogance (usually a compliment).

Trotz seines Reichtums zeigte er keine Spur von Hochmut.

Den Hochmut zügeln.

— To rein in or control one's arrogance.

Du solltest deinen Hochmut etwas zügeln.

Hochmut bricht das Genick.

— Arrogance breaks the neck (metaphor for causing total ruin).

Pass auf, dein Hochmut bricht dir noch das Genick.

Ein Akt des Hochmutes.

— An act of arrogance.

Diese Entscheidung war ein reiner Akt des Hochmutes.

Hochmut gegenüber anderen.

— Arrogance toward others.

Sein Hochmut gegenüber den Armen war abscheulich.

Souvent confondu avec

Hochmut vs Stolz

Stolz can be positive (proud of achievement). Hochmut is always negative (arrogance).

Hochmut vs Übermut

Übermut is being playful or reckless (like a child). Hochmut is being superior.

Hochmut vs Mut

Mut means courage. Hochmut uses the old meaning of 'spirit' and means arrogance.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall."

— Arrogance is often followed by a humiliating failure.

Er wurde gefeuert, nachdem er den Chef beleidigt hatte – Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

Standard

"Auf dem hohen Ross sitzen."

— To be on a high horse (acting arrogant).

Komm mal von deinem hohen Ross runter!

Informal

"Die Nase hoch tragen."

— To carry one's nose high (to be stuck up).

Seit sie befördert wurde, trägt sie die Nase ziemlich hoch.

Informal

"Sich für etwas Besseres halten."

— To think one is something better/superior.

Er hält sich wohl für etwas Besseres.

Neutral

"Über den Dingen stehen (wollen)."

— To (want to) stand above things (often used for arrogant detachment).

Mit seinem Hochmut wollte er immer über den Dingen stehen.

Neutral

"Den Kopf zu hoch tragen."

— To carry the head too high (arrogance).

Wer den Kopf zu hoch trägt, sieht die Steine auf dem Weg nicht.

Literary

"Sich aufspielen."

— To put on airs or act important.

Er spielt sich immer so hochmütig auf.

Informal

"Von oben herab behandeln."

— To treat someone from above (condescendingly).

Behandle mich nicht so von oben herab!

Standard

"Wissen, wo Gott wohnt."

— To think one knows where God lives (extreme arrogance/knowing it all).

Er tut so, als wüsste er, wo Gott wohnt.

Informal

"Große Töne spucken."

— To spit big tones (to brag/boast arrogantly).

Spuck nicht so große Töne, wenn du nichts kannst.

Informal

Facile à confondre

Hochmut vs Arroganz

Both mean arrogance.

Arroganz is more social/behavioral. Hochmut is more moral/character-based.

Seine Arroganz im Gespräch war störend, sein Hochmut im Leben war sein Ruin.

Hochmut vs Überheblichkeit

Both mean acting superior.

Überheblichkeit often refers to skills/competence. Hochmut refers to the whole person.

Die Überheblichkeit des Sportlers war unangebracht.

Hochmut vs Einbildung

Both involve a false self-image.

Einbildung is often 'vanity' or 'conceit' about specific things like looks.

Sie hat viel Einbildung auf ihre Schönheit.

Hochmut vs Dünkel

Both mean snobbery.

Dünkel is specifically about social status or class.

Adelsdünkel ist heute seltener als früher.

Hochmut vs Hybris

Both mean extreme pride.

Hybris is a Greek loanword used in very academic or tragic literary contexts.

Die Hybris des Helden führt in den Abgrund.

Structures de phrases

X hat viel Hochmut.

Der König hat viel Hochmut.

Aus Hochmut macht X einen Fehler.

Aus Hochmut machte er einen Fehler.

Hochmut kommt vor dem Y.

Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

Sein Hochmut verhinderte, dass...

Sein Hochmut verhinderte, dass er Hilfe annahm.

X blickt mit Hochmut auf Y herab.

Er blickt mit Hochmut auf die Armen herab.

Das Zeugnis seines Hochmutes ist...

Das Zeugnis seines Hochmutes ist sein prunkvolles Haus.

X ist von blindem Hochmut geschlagen.

Die Regierung ist von blindem Hochmut geschlagen.

In der Dialektik von Hochmut und Y...

In der Dialektik von Hochmut und Demut liegt die Wahrheit.

Famille de mots

Noms

Hochmut

Hochmütigkeit

Verbes

hochmütig sein

Adjectifs

hochmütig

Apparenté

Stolz

Übermut

Demut

Wagemut

Sanftmut

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in written German; medium-low in casual spoken German except for the proverb.

Erreurs courantes

Ich habe Hochmut auf meine Arbeit. → Ich bin stolz auf meine Arbeit.
Hochmut is negative; you can't be 'hochmütig' about your own good work in a positive sense.
Er zeigte seine Hochmüte. → Er zeigte seinen Hochmut.
Hochmut has no plural form.
Ein hochmutes Verhalten. → Ein hochmütiges Verhalten.
The adjective form is 'hochmütig', not 'hochmut'.
Sie ist sehr hochmut. → Sie ist sehr hochmütig.
You need the adjective after 'ist', not the noun.
Hochmut kommt vor der Fall. → Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.
'Vor' in this proverb takes the dative case (dem Fall).

Astuces

Gender Rule

Most -mut words are masculine (der Mut, der Hochmut, der Übermut). Memorize them as a group.

Stolz vs Hochmut

Always use 'Stolz' for 'I am proud of you'. Never use 'Hochmut' there.

Modesty

German culture values modesty. Using the word 'Hochmut' is a strong way to criticize someone for breaking this social norm.

Proverb Power

Learn 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall' by heart. It’s a perfect response when someone’s arrogance leads to a mistake.

Literary Tone

Use 'Hochmut' in your writing to give it a more classical, sophisticated feel.

The 'U' sound

The 'u' in 'Mut' is short and crisp. Don't stretch it out like 'mooot'.

High-Mood

Think of someone in a 'High-Mood' who thinks they can fly, but they just fall.

Modern Alternative

If 'Hochmut' feels too heavy, use 'Überheblichkeit' for a more modern-sounding critique.

Balance

Learn 'Demut' (humility) at the same time. They are the classic pair in German ethics.

Global Hubris

Apply 'Hochmut' to global issues like climate change to describe humanity's arrogance toward nature.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'High Mood' (Hoch-Mut) that has gone so high it has lost oxygen and become crazy/arrogant.

Association visuelle

Visualize a man standing on a very tall, thin ladder (Hoch) looking down at people, but the ladder is about to break (Fall).

Word Web

Stolz Arroganz Hybris Fall Demut König Sünde Ego

Défi

Try to find three historical figures who failed because of 'Hochmut' and write a sentence for each.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle High German 'hōchmuot', which combined 'hōch' (high) and 'muot' (spirit, mind, mood).

Sens originel : Originally, it could mean 'high spirits' or 'noble mind,' but it shifted exclusively to a negative meaning of 'arrogance' over time.

Germanic.

Contexte culturel

Calling someone 'hochmütig' is a very strong personal insult regarding their character and morals.

English speakers often use 'pride' for both good and bad things. In German, you MUST separate them: Stolz (good/neutral) vs. Hochmut (bad).

The Bible (Proverbs 16:18) Goethe's 'Faust' Schiller's 'Wallenstein'

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Literature

Der tragische Hochmut
Ein Charakter voller Hochmut
Hochmut als Motiv
Den Hochmut sühnen

Politics

Politischer Hochmut
Hochmut der Macht
Den Wählern mit Hochmut begegnen
Kritik am Hochmut

Religion/Ethics

Die Sünde des Hochmutes
Hochmut und Demut
Gott widersteht den Hochmütigen
Den Hochmut überwinden

Daily Life/Proverbs

Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall
Lass den Hochmut sein
Kein Grund für Hochmut
Sein Hochmut wird ihn noch reuen

Business

Unternehmerischer Hochmut
Hochmut gegenüber der Konkurrenz
Der Hochmut des Erfolgs
Warnung vor Hochmut

Amorces de conversation

"Glaubst du, dass Hochmut in unserer Gesellschaft zunimmt?"

"Kennst du jemanden, dessen Hochmut zu einem großen Fehler geführt hat?"

"Was ist der Unterschied zwischen gesundem Stolz und Hochmut?"

"Warum sagt man in Deutschland so oft 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall'?"

"Ist Hochmut in der Politik unvermeidlich?"

Sujets d'écriture

Reflektiere über eine Situation, in der du selbst Hochmut empfunden hast. Was war die Folge?

Beschreibe eine literarische Figur, die durch ihren Hochmut gescheitert ist.

Ist 'Hochmut' heute noch eine 'Sünde' oder einfach nur eine schlechte Eigenschaft?

Wie kann man sich selbst vor Hochmut schützen, wenn man erfolgreich ist?

Analysiere das Sprichwort 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall' in Bezug auf ein aktuelles Ereignis.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is usually too strong. Use 'frech' (cheeky) or 'eingebildet' (conceited). 'Hochmut' sounds like a deep character flaw that children rarely have yet.

You will hear the proverb 'Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall' very often. Otherwise, people usually say 'Arroganz' in casual talk.

'Stolz' is 'pride' (can be good). 'Hochmut' is 'arrogance/hubris' (always bad). You are 'stolz' on your exam results, but 'hochmütig' if you think you are smarter than everyone else.

No. It is a 'Singularetantum' like 'Wasser' or 'Liebe'. You cannot say 'Hochmüte'.

It is 'der Hochmut' (masculine). All words ending in '-mut' are masculine, except 'die Sanftmut', 'die Demut', 'die Großmut', and 'die Langmut' (which are feminine). Wait—actually, 'Hochmut' is masculine!

It is the 'Ach-Laut'. It's a rough sound made in the back of the throat, like in the Scottish 'loch' or the name 'Bach'.

No, never. It always implies a negative, overbearing attitude.

The adjective is 'hochmütig'. For example: 'Ein hochmütiger Blick' (a haughty look).

Etymologically, yes. 'Mut' used to mean 'spirit'. 'Hochmut' meant 'high spirit'. Today 'Mut' means courage, but 'Hochmut' kept the old spirit meaning.

It comes from the Bible (Proverbs 16:18): 'Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall'.

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