adjective
polite
B1
Höflich is an adjective meaning 'polite' or 'courteous.' It's gradable with comparative höflicher and superlative am höflichsten. Antonym: unhöflich. As an adjective it takes standard German adjective endings according to gender, case and declension. Not a participle; use in formal and informal contexts.
Examples
Der Beamte antwortete höflich, obwohl die Bürgerin sehr ungeduldig war.
The official replied politely, although the citizen was very impatient.
Sei bitte höflich zu den Gästen.
Please be polite to the guests.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a person bowing slightly and smiling to show polite behavior.
Sounds a bit like 'hope-lich' — imagine hoping someone behaves politely.
Notes
höflich is used for polite behavior and manners. Comparative: höflicher, superlative: am höflichsten.