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A2 adjective #4,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

unehrlich

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces unehrlich en 30 secondes
Explication unehrlich in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to understand that 'unehrlich' is the opposite of 'ehrlich' (honest). It's a simple adjective used to describe someone who does not tell the truth. Think of it as 'not honest'. You might use it in very short sentences like 'Er ist unehrlich' (He is dishonest) or 'Das ist unehrlich' (That is dishonest). At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just focus on the basic meaning. It's a useful word to know when you want to express that someone is lying or being 'fake'. Remember: 'ehrlich' = good/truthful, 'unehrlich' = bad/lying. You can easily remember it because of the 'un-' prefix, which works just like in English 'unhappy' or 'unusual'. Try to practice it with the verb 'sein' (to be).
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At A2, you should start using 'unehrlich' in more complete sentences and understand its basic declension. You can now say things like 'Ich finde ihn unehrlich' (I find him dishonest) or 'Warum bist du unehrlich?' (Why are you dishonest?). You should also recognize that it can be used before a noun, like 'ein unehrlicher Freund' (a dishonest friend). At this level, it's important to know that 'unehrlich' is a common way to express disapproval. You might encounter it in simple stories or dialogues about trust and friendship. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'falsch' (wrong/incorrect). If someone says '2+2=5', that is 'falsch'. If someone says they didn't eat the cookie when they actually did, they are being 'unehrlich'. Start noticing how the ending of the word changes depending on the noun it describes.
By B1, you are expected to use 'unehrlich' with more nuance and in more varied contexts. You should be comfortable with its adverbial use, often expressed as 'unehrlicherweise' (dishonestly), and the noun form 'die Unehrlichkeit' (dishonesty). You can discuss abstract concepts like 'Unehrlichkeit in der Politik' (dishonesty in politics) or 'unehrliches Verhalten am Arbeitsplatz' (dishonest behavior at the workplace). You should also be able to use the comparative and superlative forms: 'Er ist unehrlicher als ich dachte' (He is more dishonest than I thought). At this level, you start to understand the social implications of the word and can use it to describe complex situations. You might also use it in conditional sentences, such as 'Es wäre unehrlich, wenn ich nichts sagen würde' (It would be dishonest if I said nothing).
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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'unehrlich' and its synonyms like 'unaufrichtig' (insincere) or 'verlogen' (full of lies). You can use the word in professional and academic settings to critique arguments or behaviors. For example, you might describe a study's methodology as 'methodisch unehrlich' if it ignores certain data. You understand the difference between 'unehrlich' and 'unredlich' (dishonorable/dishonest in business). You can write essays or participate in debates where you argue about the ethics of 'Unehrlichkeit'. Your use of adjective endings should be flawless, even in complex cases like 'trotz seines unehrlichen Verhaltens' (despite his dishonest behavior - genitive). You are also aware of idiomatic expressions and can use the word to add flavor to your speech, recognizing the subtle difference between being 'unehrlich' to others versus being 'unehrlich' to oneself.
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At C1, your understanding of 'unehrlich' is deep and multifaceted. You can analyze the word's use in literature, philosophy, and high-level political discourse. You might discuss the 'ontologische Unehrlichkeit' (ontological dishonesty) of a character in a novel or the 'strukturelle Unehrlichkeit' (structural dishonesty) within a social system. You are capable of using the word with great precision, choosing it over 'prevaricating' or 'dissembling' equivalents in German. You can use it in highly formal contexts, such as legal or philosophical texts, and understand its historical connotations. You might explore how the concept of 'Unehrlichkeit' has changed in German culture over the centuries. Your vocabulary includes specialized terms like 'intellektuelle Unehrlichkeit' and you can explain their implications in detail. You can also use the word with irony or sarcasm to achieve specific rhetorical effects.
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At the C2 level, you have mastered 'unehrlich' in all its linguistic glory. You can use it with the subtlety of a native speaker, catching every nuance and connotation. You might use it in a literary critique to describe the 'subtile Unehrlichkeit' of a narrator's voice. You are aware of the word's etymological roots and how they relate to the concept of 'Ehre' (honor) in German history. You can effortlessly switch between 'unehrlich', 'unwahrhaftig', 'doppelzüngig', and 'perfide' depending on the exact shade of meaning required. You can participate in high-level academic discussions about the ethics of truth and deception, using 'unehrlich' as a key term. Your command of the language allows you to use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences that are both grammatically perfect and stylistically sophisticated. To you, 'unehrlich' is not just a word, but a precise tool for moral and intellectual analysis.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

unehrlich en 30 secondes

  • Unehrlich means 'dishonest' or 'insincere' in German.
  • It is the direct opposite of 'ehrlich' (honest).
  • It is used to describe people, actions, or statements that deceive.
  • Commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to indicate a lack of trust.

The German word unehrlich is the direct opposite of ehrlich (honest). At its core, it describes a person, an action, or a statement that lacks integrity, truthfulness, or sincerity. In German culture, where directness and reliability are often highly valued, being labeled as unehrlich carries a significant social and moral weight. It is not just about telling a small lie; it is about a fundamental breach of trust. Whether you are talking about a politician making false promises, a friend hiding their true feelings, or a business partner concealing fees, unehrlich is the adjective of choice.

Core Meaning
The quality of being deceitful, insincere, or prone to lying. It describes the state of not being truthful with others or oneself.
Social Context
In Germany, 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty) is a cornerstone of social interaction. Calling someone 'unehrlich' is a serious accusation that suggests they cannot be trusted in future interactions.
Psychological Aspect
It often refers to 'unaufrichtiges Verhalten' (insincere behavior) where the internal feelings do not match the external expression.

Ich finde es extrem unehrlich, wie er sich bei der Besprechung verhalten hat.

The word is versatile. It can describe a person's character (ein unehrlicher Mensch), a specific act (ein unehrliches Angebot), or even a facial expression (ein unehrliches Lächeln). Unlike 'falsch' (which can simply mean 'incorrect'), unehrlich almost always implies an intentionality to deceive. When you use this word, you are focusing on the moral failure rather than just a factual error. For learners, it is vital to distinguish between someone who makes a mistake and someone who is being deliberately unehrlich.

Es wäre unehrlich zu sagen, dass mir der Film gefallen hat.

In professional settings, Unehrlichkeit (the noun form) can lead to immediate termination or legal consequences. In private life, it is the number one reason for the breakdown of relationships. Germans often distinguish between a 'Notlüge' (a white lie to save someone's feelings) and being 'grundsätzlich unehrlich' (fundamentally dishonest). While a 'Notlüge' might be tolerated, a 'unehrlicher Charakter' is widely shunned.

Sein unehrliches Verhalten hat die ganze Firma in Gefahr gebracht.

Warum bist du so unehrlich zu dir selbst?

Ein unehrlicher Sieg ist kein echter Sieg.

Using unehrlich correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective. It follows the standard rules of German adjective declension when it comes before a noun, and remains undeclined when used after a linking verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain). Understanding these patterns is crucial for moving from A2 to B1 levels of German proficiency.

Predicative Use
When the adjective comes after the verb, it does not change. Example: 'Er ist unehrlich.' (He is dishonest.) This is the simplest way to use the word.
Attributive Use
When it precedes a noun, it must match the gender, case, and number of that noun. Example: 'Ein unehrlicher Mann' (A dishonest man), 'Eine unehrliche Antwort' (A dishonest answer).
Adverbial Use
To describe an action, you can use 'unehrlich' or the more common 'unehrlicherweise'. Example: 'Er hat unehrlich gehandelt' (He acted dishonestly).

Niemand mag unehrliche Menschen in seinem Freundeskreis.

One common structure is 'unehrlich zu jemandem sein' (to be dishonest to/with someone). This is frequently used in interpersonal contexts. Another important pattern is the use of 'es ist unehrlich, zu...' followed by an infinitive clause. This allows you to evaluate specific behaviors rather than just people.

Es wäre unehrlich, dir jetzt Hoffnungen zu machen.

In more advanced contexts, you will see 'unehrlich' combined with prefixes or in compound nouns. For example, 'intellektuell unehrlich' (intellectually dishonest) is a common phrase in academic or political debates to describe someone who knowingly uses flawed arguments.

Das war eine zutiefst unehrliche Geste von ihm.

When comparing levels of dishonesty, you use 'unehrlicher' (more dishonest) and 'am unehrlichsten' (most dishonest). 'Er ist noch unehrlicher als sein Bruder' (He is even more dishonest than his brother).

In dieser Situation war das die unehrlichste Option.

You will encounter unehrlich in a wide variety of settings, ranging from daily conversations at home to high-stakes political commentary in the news. It is a word that carries both emotional weight and functional description. Understanding the specific 'vibe' of its usage in different domains will help you sound more like a native speaker.

The News and Media
Journalists often use 'unehrlich' to describe political rhetoric or corporate PR that obscures the truth. You might hear: 'Die Regierung verhält sich in der Steuerfrage unehrlich.'
Personal Relationships
This is perhaps the most common place to hear it. It is used in arguments or heart-to-heart talks: 'Ich habe das Gefühl, du bist unehrlich zu mir.'
Business and Sales
Used to describe deceptive marketing or hidden costs. 'Ein unehrliches Geschäftsmodell' is a common critique of predatory companies.

In der Talkshow wurde ihm vorgeworfen, unehrlich mit den Zahlen umzugehen.

In TV dramas and movies, unehrlich is a key word for character development. A character might be described as 'charismatisch, aber unehrlich' (charismatic but dishonest), setting up a conflict where their deception eventually catches up with them. It is also frequently used in legal dramas during cross-examinations.

Der Bericht war unehrlich und hat wichtige Fakten einfach ausgelassen.

Furthermore, in the context of sports, 'unehrliches Spiel' (dishonest play) might refer to cheating or unsportsmanlike conduct. Even in education, a student might be called unehrlich if they are caught plagiarizing or cheating on an exam ('unehrliches Verhalten bei der Prüfung').

Es ist unehrlich, die Lorbeeren für die Arbeit anderer zu ernten.

Even though unehrlich seems straightforward, English speakers often trip up on its nuance or its grammatical application. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: 'Unehrlich' vs. 'Falsch'
Learners often use 'falsch' for everything. While 'falsch' means 'incorrect' or 'wrong', 'unehrlich' specifically implies a lack of truthfulness. A math answer is 'falsch', but a person who hides the truth is 'unehrlich'.
Mistake 2: Preposition Choice
Many learners say 'unehrlich mit' (dishonest with). In German, it is usually 'unehrlich ZU jemandem' (dishonest TO someone). 'Sei nicht unehrlich zu mir!' is the correct form.
Mistake 3: Adjective Endings
Forgetting to decline the adjective in attributive position. 'Ein unehrlich Mann' is wrong; it must be 'Ein unehrlicher Mann'.

Falsch: Das ist eine unehrlich Antwort.
Richtig: Das ist eine unehrliche Antwort.

Another mistake is using unehrlich when you actually mean unhöflich (impolite). Sometimes, being honest can be impolite, but being unehrlich is a different category of social error. Don't confuse the two! Also, avoid overusing the word. In German, there are many synonyms like 'verlogen' (liar-ish/lying) or 'unaufrichtig' (insincere) which might fit better depending on the intensity.

Es ist unehrlich, so zu tun, als ob alles okay wäre.

Finally, watch out for the noun form Unehrlichkeit. It is feminine (die Unehrlichkeit). English speakers often struggle with the '-keit' suffix, but it is a very common way to turn adjectives into abstract nouns in German.

Unehrlichkeit zerstört das Vertrauen in jeder Partnerschaft.

While unehrlich is a great all-purpose word, your German will sound much more sophisticated if you know when to use more specific alternatives. Depending on whether you want to describe a 'fake' smile, a 'cheating' business partner, or a 'sneaky' action, different words are appropriate.

Unaufrichtig (Insincere)
Use this when someone's outward behavior doesn't match their inner thoughts. It's slightly more formal than 'unehrlich'. Example: 'Ein unaufrichtiges Kompliment' (An insincere compliment).
Verlogen (Lying/Hypocritical)
This is much stronger than 'unehrlich'. It implies a chronic habit of lying or a deep hypocrisy. Use it with caution!
Hinterhältig (Devious/Sneaky)
This describes someone who is dishonest in a way that is meant to harm others behind their backs. It combines dishonesty with malice.

Er ist nicht nur unehrlich, sondern auch extrem hinterhältig.

In business, you might hear the word 'unredlich'. This is a somewhat old-fashioned but still very professional term for 'dishonest' or 'dishonorable' business practices. It is the opposite of 'redlich' (honest/decent). If a contract is 'unredlich', it means it was made in bad faith.

Seine Entschuldigung wirkte auf mich sehr unaufrichtig.

Another interesting term is 'doppelzüngig' (double-tongued), which perfectly matches the English 'duplicitous'. It describes someone who says one thing to one person and something else to another. This is a specific type of being unehrlich that focuses on the inconsistency of speech.

Die Politik der Firma ist oft doppelzüngig und verwirrend.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In the Middle Ages, being 'unehrlich' wasn't just about lying; it often referred to professions that were considered socially 'unclean', like executioners or skinners.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈʊnˌʔeːɐ̯lɪç/
US /ˈʊnˌeɪrlɪk/
Stressed on the first syllable: UN-ehrlich.
Rime avec
begehrlich gefährlich entbehrlich unentbehrlich verklärlich erklärlich beschwerlich unverklärlich
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'h'. In German, the 'h' after a vowel is silent and just makes the vowel long.
  • Pronouncing the 'ch' like a 'k'. It should be a soft breathy sound.
  • Stressing the second syllable. The stress must be on 'UN'.
  • Confusing the 'e' sound with the English 'ee'. It's more like the 'e' in 'pet' but longer.
  • Forgetting the glottal stop between 'un' and 'ehrlich'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'ehrlich'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings.

Expression orale 3/5

The 'ch' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

ehrlich Wahrheit lügen sagen Mensch

Apprends ensuite

unaufrichtig verlogen hinterhältig Vertrauen täuschen

Avancé

die Redlichkeit die Aufrichtigkeit die Heuchelei doppelzüngig perfide

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Declension

Ein unehrlicher Mann (Nominative), einen unehrlichen Mann (Accusative).

Prefix 'un-'

un- + ehrlich = unehrlich (negation).

Noun Suffix '-keit'

unehrlich + -keit = die Unehrlichkeit.

Adverbial Suffix '-erweise'

unehrlich + -erweise = unehrlicherweise.

Comparative/Superlative

unehrlich -> unehrlicher -> am unehrlichsten.

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Exemples par niveau

1

Er ist unehrlich.

He is dishonest.

Simple predicative adjective.

2

Das ist unehrlich!

That is dishonest!

Exclamatory use.

3

Bist du unehrlich?

Are you dishonest?

Simple question.

4

Sie ist nicht unehrlich.

She is not dishonest.

Negative with 'nicht'.

5

Ich bin nie unehrlich.

I am never dishonest.

Use of 'nie' (never).

6

Warum bist du so unehrlich?

Why are you so dishonest?

Question with 'warum'.

7

Ein unehrlicher Junge.

A dishonest boy.

Attributive adjective (masculine nominative).

8

Meine Antwort ist nicht unehrlich.

My answer is not dishonest.

Possessive pronoun + noun.

1

Ich finde sein Verhalten unehrlich.

I find his behavior dishonest.

Verb 'finden' + object + adjective.

2

Sie war unehrlich zu ihrer Mutter.

She was dishonest to her mother.

Prepositional phrase 'zu + dative'.

3

Kauf nichts bei diesem unehrlichen Verkäufer.

Don't buy anything from this dishonest seller.

Adjective ending in dative masculine.

4

Es ist unehrlich, die Wahrheit zu sagen.

It is dishonest (not) to tell the truth. (Note: usually 'Es ist unehrlich, die Wahrheit NICHT zu sagen')

Infinitive clause.

5

Er hat ein unehrliches Lächeln.

He has a dishonest smile.

Adjective ending in accusative neuter.

6

Warum warst du so unehrlich zu mir?

Why were you so dishonest to me?

Präteritum (past tense) of 'sein'.

7

Ich mag keine unehrlichen Menschen.

I don't like dishonest people.

Plural adjective ending.

8

Sei bitte nicht unehrlich.

Please don't be dishonest.

Imperative form.

1

Unehrlichkeit kann eine Freundschaft zerstören.

Dishonesty can destroy a friendship.

Noun form 'Unehrlichkeit'.

2

Er hat mich unehrlicherweise belogen.

He dishonestly lied to me.

Adverbial form 'unehrlicherweise'.

3

In dieser Situation war er unehrlicher als sonst.

In this situation, he was more dishonest than usual.

Comparative form.

4

Es wäre unehrlich, wenn ich dir jetzt zustimmen würde.

It would be dishonest if I were to agree with you now.

Konjunktiv II (conditional).

5

Wegen seiner unehrlichen Art hat er den Job verloren.

Because of his dishonest way, he lost the job.

Genitive case after 'wegen'.

6

Man sollte nie unehrlich zu sich selbst sein.

One should never be dishonest to oneself.

Reflexive use 'zu sich selbst'.

7

Das war eine sehr unehrliche Aktion von der Firma.

That was a very dishonest action by the company.

Adjective with an intensifier 'sehr'.

8

Ich hasse es, wenn Leute unehrlich sind.

I hate it when people are dishonest.

Subordinate clause with 'wenn'.

1

Ein unehrliches Geschäftsgebaren schadet dem Ruf.

Dishonest business practices damage the reputation.

Formal vocabulary 'Geschäftsgebaren'.

2

Er wurde wegen unehrlicher Praktiken entlassen.

He was fired because of dishonest practices.

Preposition 'wegen' + genitive plural.

3

Die Politiker gaben eine unehrliche Erklärung ab.

The politicians gave a dishonest statement.

Phrasal verb 'eine Erklärung abgeben'.

4

Es ist intellektuell unehrlich, diese Fakten zu ignorieren.

It is intellectually dishonest to ignore these facts.

Collocation 'intellektuell unehrlich'.

5

Trotz seiner unehrlichen Vergangenheit bekam er eine Chance.

Despite his dishonest past, he got a chance.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

6

Sie wirkte auf mich extrem unaufrichtig und unehrlich.

She seemed extremely insincere and dishonest to me.

Synonym pairing for emphasis.

7

Wer unehrlich spielt, wird am Ende bestraft.

Whoever plays dishonestly will be punished in the end.

Relative clause 'Wer...'

8

Das unehrliche Verhalten der Bank führte zur Krise.

The dishonest behavior of the bank led to the crisis.

Noun-adjective-noun construction.

1

Die ontologische Dimension der Unehrlichkeit ist komplex.

The ontological dimension of dishonesty is complex.

High-level academic terminology.

2

Seine Rhetorik war von einer tiefen Unehrlichkeit geprägt.

His rhetoric was characterized by a deep dishonesty.

Passive construction 'von... geprägt'.

3

Es herrscht eine Atmosphäre der Unehrlichkeit in diesem Team.

There is an atmosphere of dishonesty in this team.

Abstract noun phrase.

4

Die unehrliche Darstellung der Geschichte wurde kritisiert.

The dishonest representation of history was criticized.

Passive voice with a complex subject.

5

Er agierte in einer moralisch unehrlichen Grauzone.

He acted in a morally dishonest gray area.

Metaphorical language 'Grauzone'.

6

Diese Argumentation ist in sich unehrlich und widersprüchlich.

This argumentation is inherently dishonest and contradictory.

Adverbial 'in sich' (inherently).

7

Man warf ihm vor, unehrlich mit den Ressourcen umzugehen.

He was accused of dealing dishonestly with resources.

Infinitive construction with 'vorwerfen'.

8

Die Unehrlichkeit der Medien ist ein häufiges Thema.

The dishonesty of the media is a frequent topic.

Genitive attribute.

1

Die perfide Unehrlichkeit seines Planes wurde erst spät klar.

The perfidious dishonesty of his plan only became clear late.

Sophisticated adjective 'perfide'.

2

In seinem Werk thematisiert er die existenzielle Unehrlichkeit.

In his work, he addresses existential dishonesty.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

3

Die unehrliche Natur des Paktes führte zu seinem Scheitern.

The dishonest nature of the pact led to its failure.

Abstract noun 'Natur'.

4

Es ist ein Akt der Unehrlichkeit, dies zu verschweigen.

It is an act of dishonesty to keep this secret.

Noun phrase 'Akt der...'

5

Seine unehrliche Haltung war für alle Beteiligten spürbar.

His dishonest attitude was palpable to everyone involved.

Adjective 'spürbar' (palpable).

6

Die strukturelle Unehrlichkeit des Systems ist unübersehbar.

The structural dishonesty of the system is impossible to overlook.

Adjective 'unübersehbar'.

7

Er verstrickte sich in ein Netz aus unehrlichen Aussagen.

He got entangled in a web of dishonest statements.

Metaphorical 'Netz aus...'

8

Die Unehrlichkeit gegenüber der eigenen Biografie ist ein Motiv.

Dishonesty toward one's own biography is a motif.

Preposition 'gegenüber' + dative.

Collocations courantes

unehrlich sein
unehrliches Verhalten
unehrliche Antwort
unehrlicher Mensch
intellektuell unehrlich
unehrliches Lächeln
unehrlich zu sich selbst
unehrliche Absichten
grundsätzlich unehrlich
unehrlich handeln

Phrases Courantes

Sei nicht unehrlich!

— A command telling someone to stop lying.

Sei nicht unehrlich, ich kenne die Wahrheit!

Das ist unehrlich von dir.

— A way to express disappointment in someone's deception.

Das ist unehrlich von dir, mir das zu verschweigen.

Ein unehrlicher Sieg.

— A victory achieved through cheating or unfair means.

Ein unehrlicher Sieg ist wertlos.

Unehrlich währt am längsten (ironic).

— A play on the proverb 'Ehrlich währt am längsten' (Honesty is the best policy).

In dieser Firma scheint es: Unehrlich währt am längsten.

Unehrlich zu jemandem sein.

— To lie to or mislead a specific person.

Warst du unehrlich zu deinem Vater?

Zutiefst unehrlich.

— Extremely dishonest.

Seine Worte waren zutiefst unehrlich.

Eine unehrliche Haut.

— An idiomatic way to describe a dishonest person.

Er ist eine unehrliche Haut, pass auf!

Unehrliche Praktiken.

— Shady or deceitful methods.

Die Firma ist bekannt für unehrliche Praktiken.

Etwas unehrlich erwerben.

— To get something through dishonest means.

Er hat sein Vermögen unehrlich erworben.

Ein unehrliches Spiel spielen.

— To be deceptive in a situation.

Ich habe das Gefühl, du spielst ein unehrliches Spiel.

Souvent confondu avec

unehrlich vs falsch

Falsch means incorrect; unehrlich means deceitful.

unehrlich vs unwahr

Unwahr describes a statement; unehrlich describes a person or intent.

unehrlich vs unhöflich

Unhöflich means impolite; unehrlich means dishonest.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Dreck am Stecken haben"

— To have a skeleton in the closet / to have done something dishonest in the past.

Der Politiker hat ordentlich Dreck am Stecken.

Informal
"Jemanden hinters Licht führen"

— To deceive or trick someone.

Er hat uns alle hinters Licht geführt.

Neutral
"Mit gezinkten Karten spielen"

— To play with marked cards (to cheat).

Bei den Verhandlungen wurde mit gezinkten Karten gespielt.

Neutral
"Wasser predigen und Wein trinken"

— To preach water and drink wine (to be hypocritical/dishonest).

Der Chef predigt Wasser und trinkt Wein.

Neutral
"Ein falsches Spiel treiben"

— To play a double game / to be deceptive.

Ich glaube, sie treibt ein falsches Spiel mit uns.

Neutral
"Die Unwahrheit sagen"

— A formal way to say someone is lying.

Der Zeuge sagte die Unwahrheit.

Formal
"Sich in die Tasche lügen"

— To lie to oneself.

Du lügst dir doch nur selbst in die Tasche!

Informal
"Jemandem etwas vormachen"

— To fool someone or pretend.

Du kannst mir nichts vormachen!

Informal
"Ein Wolf im Schafspelz"

— A wolf in sheep's clothing (a dishonest person pretending to be good).

Vorsicht, er ist ein Wolf im Schafspelz.

Neutral
"Krumme Dinger drehen"

— To do shady or dishonest business/acts.

Er hat schon früher krumme Dinger gedreht.

Informal

Facile à confondre

unehrlich vs unwahr

Both deal with lack of truth.

Unwahr is for facts; unehrlich is for character/intent.

Die Aussage ist unwahr. Der Zeuge ist unehrlich.

unehrlich vs falsch

Often used as a synonym in English.

Falsch is mostly for errors; unehrlich is for lies.

Die Rechnung ist falsch. Das Versprechen war unehrlich.

unehrlich vs unaufrichtig

Very close synonyms.

Unaufrichtig is more about hidden feelings; unehrlich is broader.

Ein unaufrichtiges Lächeln vs. ein unehrlicher Betrüger.

unehrlich vs verlogen

Both mean dishonest.

Verlogen is much more insulting and intense.

Er ist ein verlogener Lügner!

unehrlich vs unredlich

Both mean dishonest.

Unredlich is specifically for business/legal contexts.

Unredliche Geschäftspraktiken.

Structures de phrases

A1

X ist unehrlich.

Er ist unehrlich.

A2

Warum bist du unehrlich zu Y?

Warum bist du unehrlich zu mir?

B1

Es ist unehrlich, X zu tun.

Es ist unehrlich, die Wahrheit zu verschweigen.

B1

Unehrlicherweise hat er X.

Unehrlicherweise hat er das Geld behalten.

B2

Wegen seiner unehrlichen X...

Wegen seiner unehrlichen Art hat er keine Freunde.

C1

Die Unehrlichkeit von X ist...

Die Unehrlichkeit der Medien ist ein Problem.

C2

Ein Akt der Unehrlichkeit.

Das war ein Akt der Unehrlichkeit.

B2

Intellektuell unehrlich sein.

Es ist intellektuell unehrlich, diese Daten zu ignorieren.

Famille de mots

Noms

die Unehrlichkeit

Verbes

lügen
betrügen
täuschen

Adjectifs

ehrlich
unehrlich
unaufrichtig

Apparenté

die Ehre
der Betrug
die Lüge
die Wahrheit
das Vertrauen
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in daily speech and media.

Erreurs courantes
  • Er ist ein unehrlich Mann. → Er ist ein unehrlicher Mann.

    Adjectives before masculine nouns in the nominative case need the '-er' ending.

  • Ich bin unehrlich mit dir. → Ich bin unehrlich zu dir.

    The correct preposition for 'dishonest to someone' is 'zu' + dative.

  • Das ist eine unehrliche Zahl. → Das ist eine falsche Zahl.

    Numbers can be 'falsch' (wrong), but not 'unehrlich' (dishonest).

  • Er hat unehrlich gelügt. → Er hat unehrlich gelogen.

    The past participle of 'lügen' is 'gelogen'.

  • Die Unehrlich ist schlecht. → Die Unehrlichkeit ist schlecht.

    The noun form requires the '-keit' suffix.

Astuces

Adjective Endings

Always remember to decline 'unehrlich' when it's before a noun. 'Ein unehrlicher Freund' but 'Der Freund ist unehrlich'.

Prefix Power

The prefix 'un-' is your best friend. It negates many adjectives in German, just like in English.

Directness

Germans value directness. Being 'unehrlich' is often considered worse than being blunt or impolite.

Stress the Start

Put the emphasis on the 'UN' to make sure people understand you are talking about the negative form.

Noun Form

Use 'Unehrlichkeit' to discuss the general concept in essays or reports.

Silent H

Don't pronounce the 'h' inside 'ehrlich'. It only serves to lengthen the 'e'.

Choose Wisely

Use 'unaufrichtig' for fake emotions and 'unehrlich' for lies about facts.

Workplace

In a job interview, never describe a past mistake as 'unehrlich' unless you want to sound like a criminal!

Ear-Lick

Remember: UN-EAR-LICK. It's dishonest to lick an ear!

Level Up

Move from A1 'Er ist unehrlich' to B1 'Es war unehrlich von ihm' to sound more natural.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'UN-' (not) + 'EAR-lick' (ehrlich sounds like ear-lick). It's 'dishonest' to lick someone's ear without asking!

Association visuelle

Imagine a person with two faces, one smiling and one frowning, representing the 'unehrlich' nature.

Word Web

Lüge Betrug Falsch Unwahr Sünde Vertrauensbruch Maske Geheimnis

Défi

Try to use 'unehrlich' in a sentence about a politician today. Then try to use it to describe a feeling.

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'unērliche', derived from 'ēre' (honor). The word literally means 'without honor'.

Sens originel : Dishonorable, shameful, or lacking social standing.

Germanic.

Contexte culturel

Calling someone 'unehrlich' is a direct personal attack on their character. Use it carefully in social settings.

In English, 'dishonest' can sometimes sound very formal. In German, 'unehrlich' is the standard word for all situations.

The concept of the 'Unreliable Narrator' in literature. Pinocchio, the ultimate symbol of 'unehrliches Verhalten'. German proverbs about 'Ehrlichkeit'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Personal Relationships

  • Du bist unehrlich zu mir.
  • Ich hasse Unehrlichkeit.
  • Sei ehrlich, nicht unehrlich.
  • Vertrauen braucht Ehrlichkeit.

Work/Business

  • Unehrliche Praktiken.
  • Ein unehrlicher Kollege.
  • Das war ein unehrliches Angebot.
  • Kündigung wegen Unehrlichkeit.

Politics

  • Eine unehrliche Kampagne.
  • Unehrliche Versprechen.
  • Der Politiker war unehrlich.
  • Die Wähler fühlen sich getäuscht.

Sports

  • Ein unehrlicher Sieg.
  • Unehrlich spielen.
  • Doping ist unehrlich.
  • Fairness statt Unehrlichkeit.

Daily Life

  • Eine unehrliche Antwort.
  • Es ist unehrlich, das zu sagen.
  • Warum so unehrlich?
  • Bleib nicht unehrlich.

Amorces de conversation

"Findest du es okay, manchmal unehrlich zu sein?"

"Warst du schon mal unehrlich zu deinem Chef?"

"Was ist schlimmer: unhöflich oder unehrlich zu sein?"

"Wie reagierst du, wenn jemand unehrlich zu dir ist?"

"Glaubst du, dass Politiker oft unehrlich sein müssen?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du unehrlich warst. Warum hast du das getan?

Warum ist Unehrlichkeit so schädlich für eine Freundschaft?

Ist es möglich, in der heutigen Welt niemals unehrlich zu sein?

Beschreibe eine unehrliche Person aus einem Film oder Buch.

Wie fühlt es sich an, wenn man merkt, dass man unehrlich zu sich selbst war?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is a significant accusation. It implies a moral failing, not just a mistake. Use it when you are sure someone is being deceptive.

No, for a wrong answer use 'falsch' or 'inkorrekt'. 'Unehrlich' is for people or lies.

The noun is 'die Unehrlichkeit'. It is feminine and means 'dishonesty'.

You can say 'Er war unehrlich zu mir' or 'Er hat mich unehrlicherweise belogen'.

They are very similar, but 'unaufrichtig' often refers to a lack of sincerity in emotions or compliments, while 'unehrlich' is more general.

The adverb is 'unehrlicherweise' (dishonestly).

Only metaphorically, like 'ein unehrliches Spiel' or 'ein unehrliches Lächeln'.

Yes, but 'unredlich' is also used in formal business contexts.

It is the soft 'ich-laut', produced by pushing air between the tongue and the roof of the mouth.

The opposite is 'ehrlich' (honest).

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'unehrlich' to describe a friend.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Dishonesty is bad for relationships.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe a 'unehrliches Lächeln' in one sentence.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a question asking someone why they are being dishonest.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use 'unehrlicherweise' in a sentence.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'He is a dishonest salesman.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence with 'intellektuell unehrlich'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Don't be dishonest to yourself.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about a dishonest politician.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'I don't like dishonest people.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using the comparative 'unehrlicher'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'That was a dishonest move.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about a 'unehrlicher Sieg'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Dishonesty leads to problems.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using 'wegen' and 'unehrlich'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'She is more dishonest than him.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence with 'unaufrichtig'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'It is dishonest to lie.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about 'Unehrlichkeit in der Politik'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Stop being so dishonest!'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'He is dishonest' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Why are you dishonest?' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'That was dishonest' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Don't be dishonest' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'dishonesty' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'He is a dishonest person' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I am not dishonest' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Are you dishonest to me?' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'dishonestly' (adverb) in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'She has a dishonest smile' in German.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'dishonest behavior' in German.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'dishonest answer' in German.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'more dishonest' in German.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'intellectually dishonest' in German.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'dishonest intentions' in German.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'because of his dishonesty' in German.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Stop being dishonest!' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'It is dishonest to lie' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'He lied dishonestly' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'a dishonest victory' in German.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe the word 'unehrlich'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'die Unehrlichkeit'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'Sei nicht unehrlich'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'ein unehrlicher Mann'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'Warum bist du unehrlich?'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'unehrlicherweise'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'Das war unehrlich'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'unehrliche Antwort'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'unehrliches Verhalten'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'Ich bin nicht unehrlich'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'wegen Unehrlichkeit'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'ein unehrliches Lächeln'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'Er ist unehrlich'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'Hör auf damit!'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcribe 'Bist du ehrlich oder unehrlich?'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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