der Moralapostel
Translation
moralizer, self-righteous person, goody-two-shoes
Examples
Er spielt sich immer als Moralapostel auf.
He always acts like a moralizer.
Sei nicht so ein Moralapostel!
Don't be such a moralizer!
Grammar Patterns
sich als Moralapostel aufspielen to act like a moralizer He always acts like a moralizer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Tugendbold (goody-goody), Frömmler (pietist), Scheinheiliger (hypocrite)
Etymology
A compound of 'Moral' (moral) + 'Apostel' (apostle). Literally a 'moral apostle', used pejoratively.
Memory Tips
Imagine an 'apostle' who preaches 'morals' to everyone in an annoying, self-righteous way.