Courage

See also: courage

German

Etymology

16th century, from Middle French corage, courage. In the dialects often Germanised; compare Alemannic German Karäschi. The standard form remains under the influence of modern French.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kuˈraːʒə/, [kuˈʁaːʒə], [kʊ-]
• IPA^(key): /kuˈraːʃə/ (some southern speakers)

• Audio

  (file)

• Rhymes: -aːʒə

Noun

Courage f (genitive Courage, no plural)

1. courage, guts, initiative

   Synonyms: Mut, Schneid, Beherztheit, Entschlossenheit, Initiative

2. (obsolete, 17th-century military slang) vulva; vagina

Usage notes

• The German word is rarely used of situations where someone puts themself in actual danger (for which Mut), but rather in the context of daring to speak out, to take a chance, etc.

Derived terms

• couragiert
• Zivilcourage

Further reading

• “Courage” in Duden online