schwul
Translation
gay, homosexual
Examples
Mein bester Freund ist schwul.
My best friend is gay.
Das ist ein bekannter schwuler Künstler.
That is a well-known gay artist.
Sie kämpfen für die Rechte von Schwulen und Lesben.
They are fighting for the rights of gays and lesbians.
Grammar Patterns
predicative to be gay He is gay.
attributive a gay ... a gay man
Similar Words
homosexuell (homosexual, more formal); Antonym: heterosexuell (heterosexual)
Etymology
The etymology is uncertain, but it became common in the 20th century. It was formerly pejorative but is now a neutral term.
Memory Tips
This is a standard, neutral term for 'gay' in modern German. 'Homosexuell' is a more formal or clinical alternative.