respektvolle

Respektvolle is the feminine singular nominative or accusative form of the German adjective respektvoll, meaning respectful or showing respect. It is typically used attributively before a noun, as in eine respektvolle Haltung (a respectful attitude), respektvolle Kommunikation (respectful communication), or eine respektvolle Behandlung (a respectful treatment). The base form respektvoll also appears in phrases like Er ist respektvoll (He is respectful), where the adjective directly describes a subject.

In German grammar, respektvolle can also appear as a plural form without an article, as in respektvolle Menschen (respectful people). In other grammatical contexts, the adjective takes different endings: der respektvolle Mann (masculine singular with definite article), das respektvolle Kind (neuter singular with definite article), die respektvollen Mitarbeiter (plural with definite article, ending in -en). For feminine singular with definite article, it remains die respektvolle Frau; with indefinite article, eine respektvolle Frau.

Etymology and usage: respektvoll derives from Respekt (respect) plus the suffix -voll (full of), yielding the sense of being full of respect. The term is common in both formal and informal registers and is used to describe behavior, tone, and attitudes that acknowledge others’ dignity, rights, or feelings.

Related terms include höflich (polite), rücksichtsvoll (considerate), and respekt (respect, the noun). The adverbial form is respektvoll, used without a separate ending, as in Er spricht respektvoll. Overall, respektvolle describes behavior that is considerate and dignified in interactions.