Gutmensch
derNoundo-gooder (often used sarcastically)
English translations
- 01
do-gooder
Word details
- German meaning
- Ein Gutmensch ist eine (oft abwertende) Bezeichnung für jemanden, der sich übertrieben moralisch oder politisch korrekt verhält und vermeintlich naive oder idealistische Ansichten vertritt.
- English meaning
- do-gooder, bleeding heart (often derogatory)
- Synonym
- Idealist, Weltverbesserer
- German example
- Er wurde als Gutmensch verspottet, weil er sich so sehr für Flüchtlinge einsetzte.
- English example
- He was ridiculed as a do-gooder because he was so committed to helping refugees.
- Type
- Noun
- Article
- der
- Singular Form
- der Gutmensch
- Plural Form
- die Gutmenschen
Related words
- Gutmenschentum
"Gutmenschentum" is a derogatory term for behavior driven by the desire to be morally good, but often perceived as naive, exaggerated, or hypocritical.
- Samariter
A Samaritan is a person who selflessly provides help, especially in emergencies, often based on the biblical story of the Good Samaritan.
Example sentences with “Gutmensch”
Der Begriff 'Gutmensch' wird oft abwertend verwendet. (The term 'Gutmensch' is often used pejoratively.)
Frequently asked questions
Is 'Gutmensch' a positive term?
No, while it literally means 'good person', it is almost exclusively used as a sarcastic insult for someone perceived as naively moralistic.