höflich

Höflich is a German adjective meaning polite or courteous. It describes behavior that respects others and social norms, especially in formal or public settings. The term is often used of a person’s demeanor, a request, or a remark: eine höfliche Bitte, ein höfliches Lächeln, sie verhielt sich höflich. The corresponding noun is Höflichkeit, referring to courtesy or civility.

Etymology: Höflich originates from Middle High German höflicheit, linked to the concept of courtly behavior, with the root related to Höfe (courts). Over time, it broadened to general polite behavior, not limited to courts.

Morphology and usage: As an attributive adjective it inflects: ein höflicher Mann, eine höfliche Antwort, das höfliche Wort. Adverbial form is höflich (Sie antwortete höflich). The comparative form is höflicher and the superlative am höflichsten (or the archaic höflichst). In everyday language, höflich and unhöflich form a common pair; Höflichkeit concerns acts of politeness such as greetings, please and thank you, and appropriate address.

Cultural note: Politeness norms vary by region, setting, and the use of Siezen or Duzen; in many contexts, using Sie, which marks politeness, is expected when meeting strangers or in professional environments, while Duzen can reduce perceived politeness in formal situations.

See also: Höflichkeit, Unhöflichkeit, Höfliche Grüße, Siezen, Duzen.