There are two main German words for “behavior” (“behaviour” Br. Eng.): “Verhalten” (n.) and “Benehmen” (n.). While often used interchangeably, “Verhalten” is a more general term and defined as reacting in a specific way to a situation or demonstrating a certain attitude in one’s actions. The word “Benehmen” can only be used for humans and is defined culturally. In other words, this type of “behavior” can be judged according to social standards of manners and proper conduct. The verbs are also “verhalten” and “benehmen”, whereas “benehmen” without an adjective often means “to behave well”:

– “Das ist sehr verdächtiges Verhalten.” – “That’s very suspicious behavior.”
– “Er hat sich schlecht benommen.” – “He misbehaved.”
– “Du musst dich deinem Alter entsprechend benehmen.” – “You have to act your age.”
– “Benimm dich!” – “Behave yourself!”
– “Sie kann sich nicht benehmen.” – “She can’t behave herself.”

Germans often used “Benehmen”/”benehmen” with “anständig”, which means “proper”/”properly”:

– “Du musst dich heute Abend anständig benehmen.” – “You have to behave properly this evening.”
– “Wir erwarten anständiges Benehmen!” – “We expect proper behavior!”