What is the translation of “people”? “Leute” or “Menschen” or “man” or “der Mensch”

Question

I want to say

People shouldn't be pessimistic.

in German.

First thought that came to my mind was:

*Die Leute soll(t)en nicht pessimistisch sein.

But then I came up with "Der Mensch" or "man". which one is correct? is there any rules about when to use which one?

Answer 1

I think

Die Leute sollen nicht pessimistisch sein.

is correct and a good translation in most cases. You could also use the indefinite pronoun man in this case:

Man soll nicht pessimistisch sein.

The difference between "die Leute" and "man" is just a nuance. The first one sounds more a statement related to a specific topic or time, the second one is more of a general assertion. Also, "die Leute" means "the society" or "the public."

Example:

Die Wirtschaft beginnt wieder zu wachsen. Die Leute sollen nicht pessimistisch sein.

vs.

Mein Vater hat immer wieder gesagt, man soll nicht pessimistisch sein.

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"Der Mensch" sounds a little old-fashioned as if it was taken from a book of sayings:

Der Mensch soll nicht pessimistisch sein.

However, using "die Menschen" is acceptable in this case:

Die Menschen sollen nicht pessimistisch sein.

It has the same connotation as "Man soll..."