Meanings of 德
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About 德
Podcast: 德
Podcast: 德
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AI Study Notes for 德
Imagine a 'deer' (sounds like 'dé') standing proudly, symbolizing virtue and kindness in its graceful nature. The character itself has a radical that resembles a person, suggesting morality is deeply rooted in human behavior.
德 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss ethics and character. Be careful to distinguish between its meanings related to morality and its geographical reference to Germany, as misinterpretation can lead to confusion.
德 is often associated with other HSK Level 3 vocabulary related to personal qualities and moral discussions, such as 善 (shàn, goodness) and 义 (yì, righteousness). Focus on recognizing its usage in phrases and proverbs about morality.
In Chinese culture, the concept of 德 is foundational to Confucianism, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and moral integrity in society. It is often invoked in discussions about leadership and personal conduct.
Learners often confuse 德 with the word for 'Germany' when speaking quickly. For example, saying '我喜欢德' (Wǒ xǐhuān dé) incorrectly implies liking 'virtue' instead of saying '我喜欢德国' (Wǒ xǐhuān Déguó) for 'I like Germany.'
Pronunciation of 德
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Etymology of 德
Depicts walking (彳) through life with a straight (直) heart (心) to represent the meaning "virtue". 直 also serves as a phonetic component.
heart
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 德?
Decomposition of 德
Identify the Components
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Write 德
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Practice writing 德 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 德
德 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 14 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他对于法国、____国和荷兰的文学了如指掌。
He was well acquainted with the literature of France, Germany and Holland.
Common Confusions with 德
Similar pronunciation but different usage.
Similar shape but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "Germany"?
Example Sentences for 德 (10)
Cultural Notes for 德
In Chinese culture, the concept of 德 is foundational to Confucianism, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and moral integrity in society. It is often invoked in discussions about leadership and personal conduct.
Word Family of 德
Compound Meaning
What does 德 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 德
德 (dé) refers to virtue or ethics, while 德国 (Déguó) specifically means Germany. Understanding this distinction is important for clarity in conversation, especially when discussing topics related to culture or language.