Merkel faced questions about Trump’s accusations of her being “totally controlled” by Russia at her annual press conference on Friday.
She told reporters she wants to “set an example” for the president.
The Chancellor said: “I’m trying to pay even more attention to my language; to be precise, to make sure facts are accurate.
“By setting an example, I try to keep this process of coarsening a bit under control.”
She had been asked about a “change in political culture” with Trump’s rhetoric.
The leader replied: “I believe there is a pretty close link between thinking, speaking, and acting.”
Trump has repeatedly attacked the German leader in recent months, most recently last week.
The president accused Germany of being “totally controlled” by Russia at a NATO leaders summit.
In remarks which were broadcast live worldwide on television, Trump said: ““I think it’s very sad when Germany makes a massive oil and gas deal with Russia, where you’re supposed to be guarding against Russia and Germany goes out and pays billions and billions of dollars a year to Russia.”
He continued by also criticising Merkel’s French neighbours, adding: “So we’re protecting Germany, we’re protecting France, we’re protecting all of these countries. And then numerous of the countries go out and make a pipeline deal with Russia where they’re paying billions of dollars into the coffers of Russia.
“I think that’s very inappropriate.”
Ms Merkel remained calm at Friday’s press conference, saying she has “taken no notice” of Trump’s repeated attacks.
She added she had not tried “to investigate the root causes” of Trump’s behaviour.
Despite the disagreements Merkel referred to Trump as an “important partner”.
She added: “We see the US as an important partner.
“A partner that doesn’t always follow policies we agree with, but it’s certainly worth holding those conflicts.”
