Get the Cling of 301 German Adjectives To Elevate Your Sentences
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German adjectives have been the linguistic paint on the creator’s canvas for well-known German writers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Cornelia Funke for hundreds of years. Now it’s your flip to raise your sentences in German utilizing the descriptive energy of those important German phrases. We’ve compiled an enormous record of German adjectives that can assist you learn the way they work within the German language and easy methods to use them in sentences whether or not you’re talking or writing.
What’s an adjective?
An Adjektiv (adjective) is a phrase that describes a noun. They assist to reply the questions “which one,” “what variety,” or “what number of” relating to the individuals, locations, or issues about which you’d like to speak. However how do adjectives work in German and do adjectives connect to nouns in German?
There are three kinds of adjectives in German: attributive, predicative, and adverbial. Which kind of Adjektiv it’s will inform you easy methods to kind the comparative and superlative of every adjective when wanted, and allows you to know if it’s essential to alter the ending of the Adjektiv.
- Attributive adjectives: These come instantly earlier than the noun they’re modifying and alter their endings to agree with the quantity, grammatical gender, and German case of that noun
- Der schnelle Hund läuft. = The quick canine is working.
- Predicative adjectives: This kind observe verbs like sein (to be), werden (will probably be), and bleiben (keep). These Adjektive don’t change their ending as a result of they aren’t instantly modifying a noun.
- Die Blumen bleiben schön. = The flowers stay lovely.
- Adverbial adjectives: Use these to explain how an motion is completed, so it capabilities very similar to an adverb. These Adjektive, like predicative ones, don’t change their ending and instantly modify the verb of the sentence.
- Sie spricht deutlich. = She speaks clearly.
Pay shut consideration as to if your German adjective is instantly modifying a noun earlier than you determine to vary its ending!
Find out how to alter German adjective endings
Many newbie learners battle with German adjective endings as they be taught easy methods to communicate German. It’s because there are various potential methods you possibly can alter the endings of attributive adjectives in German primarily based on the quantity, grammatical gender, and case of the noun they’re modifying. The act of altering the ending of a German adjective to agree with the noun on this means is named “declension.” It’s just like German conjugation for verbs in that you simply’re altering the phrase to agree with different components of your sentence.
To “decline” an adjective, take its base kind and add the suitable ending to agree with the noun it’s modifying. When carried out accurately, this gives the reader or listener with important context as to which component in your sentence is being described by your adjective, for the reason that German language will be extra loosey-goosey with its phrase order.
German adjective endings with a determiner
On this context, a determiner is a phrase which specifies which one or what sort of noun exists within the phrase, such because the German articles and phrases under:
- der/die/das = the
- jener = that
- welcher = which
- dieser = this
- some German pronouns
Since a determiner already provides the viewers grammatical details about the noun being modified, you’ll solely want so as to add one of many two “weak” German adjective endings: both -e or -en.
To determine which of those two endings to make use of, seek the advice of this helpful desk:
| German Case | Masculine | Neuter | Female | Plural |
| Nominative | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| Accusative | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| Dative | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| Genitive | -en | -en | -en | -en |
See how the German adjective endings change once we introduce and take away the determiner of the sentence.
With a determiner:
- Der kalte Wind weht über das Feld. = The chilly wind blows over the sector.
- Sie hilft dem kleinen Type. = She helps the small baby.
- Die Preise der neuen Autos sind hoch. = The value of the brand new vehicles are excessive.
With no determiner:
- Kalter Wind weht über das Feld. = Chilly wind blows over the sector.
- Sie hilft kleinem Type. = She helps a small baby.
- Die Preise neuer Autos sind hoch. = The costs of recent vehicles are excessive.
German adjective endings with no determiner
Whenever you don’t have a determiner (like an article) current, then adjective endings in German need to do extra of the heavy lifting. The ending you decline onto your German adjective of selection will let the reader or listener know which phrase you’re modifying and perceive necessary grammatical details about that noun. These are generally known as “robust” adjective endings in German. Consider it just like the adjective taking up the function of the determiner or article with their shiny new ending you’ll give them!
Select the best ending on your German adjectives with no determiner each time with the chart right here:
| German Case | Masculine | Neuter | Female | Plural |
| Nominative | -er | -es | -e | -e |
| Accusative | -en | -es | -e | -e |
| Dative | -em | -em | -er | -en |
| Genitive | -en | -en | -er | -er |
You may examine these examples this course of in motion with out determiners:
- Großer Hund bellt laut. = A giant canine barks loudly.
- Hund (canine) is a nominative, masculine noun right here, so you utilize the -er suffix
- Ich kaufe frisches Brot. = I’m shopping for recent bread.
- Brot (bread) is a neuter noun within the accusative case, so the -es ending is most acceptable
- Mit rotem Stift schreibt er den Transient. = He writes the letter with a pink pen
- Stift (pen) on this sentence is masculine and proven within the dative case, so that you finish the adjective in -em.
Forming comparative and superlative German adjectives
Whenever you need to make comparisons about objects or individuals, you’ll must kind your German adjective into both a comparative or a superlative. A comparative exhibits that one factor has extra of 1 high quality than one other factor, whereas a superlative communicates that one thing has absolutely the most of 1 high quality both on the earth or in a given set. As an example, you possibly can say {that a} grown grownup is schneller (sooner) than a baby, however Usain Bolt is am schnellsten (the quickest) runner on the earth.
To kind a comparative adjective, simply add the suffix -er to your German adjective, identical to in English. To take it a step additional and create a superlative, you’ll place the phrase am (on the) earlier than the adjective and add the suffix -sten to the top. If the bottom type of your chosen German superlative adjective ends in -t or -d, then you definately’ll add the suffix -este as a substitute, as in am kälteste (the oldest).
Comparative sentences:
- Dieses Couch ist bequemer als der Stuhl. = This couch is extra comfy than the chair.
- bequem (comfy) + -er = bequemer (extra comfy)
- Deine Idee ist kreativer als meine. = Your thought is extra inventive than mine.
- kreativ (inventive) + -er = kreativer (extra inventive)
- Dieser Movie ist spannender als der andere. = This film is extra thrilling than the opposite one.
- spannend (thrilling) + -er = spannender (extra thrilling)
Superlative sentences:
- Sie singt am schönsten. = She sings essentially the most superbly
- am (on the) + schön (lovely) + -sten = am schönsten (most lovely)
- Am Wochenende bin ich am glücklichsten. = On the weekend, I’m the happiest.
- am (on the) + glücklich (pleased) + -sten = am glücklichsten (happiest)
- Dieses Lodge ist am teuersten. = This lodge is the most costly
- am (on the) + teuer (costly) + -sten = am teuersten (costliest)
Moody adjectives in German
Think about you go to a pricey German buddy for a cup of tea they usually ask you the way you’re doing that day. How would you reply? Take an sincere take a look at your feelings and take a look on the chart under to see how you possibly can reply:
| German Temper Adjective | English Translation |
| ängstlich | fearful |
| aufgeregt | excited |
| begeistert | enthusiastic |
| betrübt | sorrowful |
| eifersüchtig | jealous |
| entspannt | relaxed |
| entzückt | delighted |
| euphorisch | euphoric |
| froh | glad |
| fröhlich | joyful |
| glücklich | pleased |
| hasserfüllt | hateful |
| mitfühlend | compassionate |
| mitreißend | exhilarating |
| nachdenklich | considerate |
| nervös | nervous |
| neugierig | curious |
| optimistisch | optimistic |
| pessimistisch | pessimistic |
| ruhig | calm |
| schüchtern | shy |
| selbstbewusst | assured |
| selig | blissful |
| wise | delicate |
| skeptisch | skeptical |
| stolz | proud |
| traurig | unhappy |
| triumphierend | triumphant |
| verliebt | in love |
| warmherzig | warm-hearted |
| wütend | indignant |
Style and really feel with German adjectives
German meals is known around the globe, from bratwursts to schnitzel. Unlock your interior foodie and completely discover Germanic delicacies along with your family members with these German adjectives associated to style and meals textures:
| German Style/Texture Adjective | English Translation |
| bitter | bitter |
| deftig | hearty |
| faserig | fibrous |
| fest | agency |
| feucht | moist |
| fluffig | fluffy |
| frisch | recent |
| fruchtig | fruity |
| glatt | clean |
| glutenfrei | gluten-free |
| hart | exhausting |
| herb | tart |
| klebrig | gooey/sticky |
| knusprig | crispy |
| kohlensäurehaltig | carbonated |
| krümelig | crumbly |
| gentle | gentle |
| pudrig | powdery |
| rau | tough |
| sahnig | creamy |
| salzig | salty |
| samtig | velvety |
| sauer | bitter |
| scharf | sharp (spicy) |
| süß | candy |
| trocken | dry |
| verrucht | decadent |
| weich | mushy |
| zäh | chewy |
| zart | tender |
German adjectives to explain experiences
For those who’re planning that magical journey to the mountains of Germany, or wherever else on the earth, select the best spot with these adjectives as your journey companions:
| German Journey Adjective | English Translation |
| abenteuerlich | adventurous |
| abgelegen | distant |
| abgeschieden | secluded |
| atemberaubend | breathtaking |
| berglastig | mountainous |
| einladend | inviting |
| einzigartig | distinctive |
| erfrischend | refreshing |
| exotisch | unique |
| friedlich | tranquil |
| gefährlich | harmful |
| geheim | secret |
| geschäftig | bustling |
| historisch | historic |
| idyllisch | idyllic |
| kulturell | cultural |
| ländlich | rural |
| langwierig | prolonged |
| lebendig | full of life |
| lebensverändernd | life-changing |
| malerisch | picturesque |
| mühsam | arduous |
| ruhig | calm/peaceable |
| spektakulär | spectacular |
| städtisch | city |
| tropisch | tropical |
| unterhaltsam | entertaining |
| weitläufig | expansive |
| wunderschön | lovely |
| wüst | desolate/abandoned |
Adjectives that describe clothes
Let the fashionista in you shine and let your character present by way of your wardrobe with these fashion-forward adjectives in German:
| German Trend Adjective | English Translation |
| atmungsaktiv | breathable |
| außergewöhnlich | distinctive |
| boho | boho |
| informal | informal |
| dehnbar | stretchable |
| einfaltig | plain/easy |
| elegant | elegant |
| extravagan | extravagant |
| farbig | colourful |
| fließend | flowing |
| formell | formal |
| hipp | hip |
| hippiehaft | hippie-style |
| hochwertig | high-quality |
| klassisch | basic |
| knitterfrei | wrinkle-free |
| lässig | laid-back |
| luftig | ethereal |
| minimalistisch | minimalist |
| fashionable | fashionable |
| modisch | trendy |
| Pelzig | fuzzy |
| preiswert | reasonably priced |
| schick | stylish |
| schmutzabweisend | stain-resistant |
| sportlich | sporty |
| stylisch | trendy |
| teuer | costly |
| classic | classic |
| zeitlos | timeless |
German adjectives to explain individuals and personalities
Anybody might use a great giggle after learning the totally different potential German adjective declensions, so loosen up the temper with these adjectives you should use to speak about pals, household, and colleagues.
| Humorous German Adjective | English Translation |
| bärenstark | robust (actually, bear-strong) |
| dödelig | dopey/foolish |
| duckmäuserisch | coward (actually ducking mouse) |
| haarsträubend | hair-raising |
| hinterfotzig | sneakily malicious (actually, behind cheeky) |
| hitzköpfig | hot-headed |
| hochnäsig | standoffish (actually, high-nosed) |
| hühnerbrüstig | timid (actually, chicken-breasted) |
| hundsgemein | imply (actually, imply as a canine) |
| kaltschnäuzig | callous (actually cold-snouted) |
| kichernd | laughing |
| klamaukig | slapstick |
| kleinkariert | narrow-minded (actually, small-squared) |
| klimbim | frilly |
| kratzbürstig | irritable/impolite (actually cat brushy) |
| meschugge | bonkers |
| naschhaft | sweet-toothed/snacky |
| neunmalklug | sensible aleck (actually“nine-times sensible) |
| schnapsdrosselig | tipsy/barely drunk |
| schwiegermütterlich | controlling/overbearing (actually, mother-in-law-like) |
| spaßverderblich | killjoy |
| spitzbübisch | infantile (actually, pointily boyish) |
| steinalt | very previous (actually, stone previous) |
| stolpernd | stumbling |
| sturmfrei | dwelling alone |
| superkalifragilistischexpiallegetisch | supercalifragilisticexpialidocious |
| tollpatschig | clumsy/awkward |
| wahnwitzig | loopy but humorous (actually, mania humorous) |
| windschief | skewed (actually, wind-warped) |
| wischiwaschi | wishy-washy |
Adjectives to explain individuals’s qualities
Are you on a pleasant date and want to speak about your self? Or in an interview on your dream job and want to explain the qualities that make you the right candidate? Hold these German adjectives about character in your again pocket for while you want them:
| German Persona Adjective | English Translation |
| anerkennend | appreciative |
| anpassungsfähig | adaptable |
| ausdauernd | persistent |
| barsch | curt |
| besonnen | calm/collected |
| chaotisch | chaotic |
| ehrgeizig | formidable |
| ehrlich | sincere |
| einfühlsam | empathetic |
| extrovertiert | extroverted |
| faul | lazy |
| freundlich | variety |
| fühllos | insensitive |
| fühlsam | delicate |
| geduldig | affected person |
| gutmütig | good-natured |
| clever | clever |
| introvertiert | introverted |
| kreativ | inventive |
| leidenschaftlich | passionate/ardent |
| nachdenklich | considerate |
| neurotisch | neurotic |
| respektvoll | respectful |
| schwatzhaft | talkative |
| selbstständig | unbiased |
| spontan | spontaneous |
| tüchtig | succesful/hardworking |
| ungeduldig | impatient |
| verschwiegen | discreet |
| vorlaut | outspoken |
Reporting the climate by way of German adjectives
Few issues are extra sensible for planning out your day on trip or at work in Germany than figuring out the climate, so get accustomed to those phrases so that you’re not unnoticed within the rain:
| German Climate Adjective | English Translation |
| bedeckt | overcast |
| bewölkt | cloudy |
| dunstig | misty |
| düster | murky |
| eisig | icy |
| finster | gloomy |
| friert | freezing |
| frostig | frosty |
| gewitterig | thunderous |
| heiß | scorching |
| kalt | chilly |
| klar | clear (sky) |
| nass | moist |
| neblig | foggy |
| nieselnd | drizzly |
| regnerisch | wet |
| saharagleich | desert-like |
| schlammig | muddy |
| schneereich | snowy |
| schwül | humid/muggy |
| sonnig | sunny |
| staubig | dusty |
| stürmisch | stormy |
| taufrisch | dewy |
| trüb | hazy |
| turbulent | turbulent |
| verregnet | rain-swept |
| wackelig | unstable |
| heat | heat |
| windig | windy |
Adjectives to precise time
You don’t want a time machine to journey by way of time with these temporal German adjectives:
| German Time Adjective | English Translation |
| dauerhaft | everlasting |
| fristgerecht | well timed |
| früh | early |
| futuristisch | futuristic |
| gegenwärtig | current/in the meanwhile |
| gleichzeitig | simultaneous |
| historisch | historic |
| immerwährend | perpetual |
| kurzfristig | short-term |
| langfristig | long-term |
| nachträglich | subsequent |
| prähistorisch | prehistoric |
| punktgenau | actual |
| pünktlich | punctual |
| regelmäßig | common |
| spat | late |
| sporadisch | sporadic |
| unaufhörlich | unceasing |
| unmittelbar | imminently |
| verfrüht | untimely |
| vergangen | previous |
| verzögert | delayed |
| vorübergehend | momentary |
| wiederkehrend | recurring |
| zeitabhängig | time-dependent |
| zeitaufwendig | time-consuming |
| zeitgebunden | time-bound |
| zeitlich | temporal |
| zeitlos | timeless |
| zeitnah | quickly |
German adjectives for love and romance
For those who ever end up at a lack of phrases for the depth of emotion the one you love brings out of you, take a look on the chart under for adjectives that encourage romance and talk “I like you” in German:
| German Romance Adjective | English Translation |
| abgöttisch | idolatrous |
| anmutig | sleek |
| aufopferungsvoll | self-sacrificing |
| beschützend | protecting |
| bewundernswert | admirable |
| feurig | fiery |
| flirtend | flirty |
| herzlich | heartfelt |
| kitschig | tacky/cheesy |
| lebensfroh | fun-loving |
| lebenslang | lifelong |
| liebesbedürftig | in want of affection |
| liebevoll | loving |
| liebreizend | charming |
| mitfühlend | compassionate |
| mitreißend | fascinating |
| reuevoll | remorseful |
| romantisch | romantic |
| schmachtend | craving |
| seelenverwandt | congenial |
| traulich | intimate |
| treu | loyal |
| umarmend | embracing |
| umwerfend | beautiful/drop-dead |
| unvergesslich | unforgettable |
| verführerisch | seductive |
| verschmust | cuddly |
| verwundbar | weak |
| verzaubert | enchanted |
| zuckersüß | candy as sugar |
Adjectives that designate shapes
Recognize the wealthy architectural historical past in Germany and describe the form of the world round you with German adjectives:
| German Form Adjective | English Translation |
| asymmetrisch | asymmetrical |
| breit | large |
| dick | thick |
| dreieckig | triangular |
| dünn | skinny |
| eckig | angular/sq. |
| flach | flat |
| gebogen | bent |
| geformt | formed |
| gekrümmt | curved |
| geometrisch | geometric |
| gerade | straight |
| gewölbt | vaulted/arched |
| hoch | tall |
| kantig | edgy |
| kegelförmig | conical |
| krumm | bent/crooked |
| kugelförmig | spherical |
| niedrig | low |
| proportioniert | proportionate |
| quaderförmig | cuboid |
| rechteckig | rectangular |
| rund | spherical |
| schmal | slim |
| spitz | sharp/pointed |
| stumpf | boring |
| symmetrisch | symmetrical |
| verdreht | twisted |
| wellig | wavy |
| zylindrisch | cylindrical |
Incessantly requested questions on German adjectives
Make clear some free ends and surprise no extra. Listed here are the three most steadily requested questions on adjectives in German
Are adjectives and adverbs the identical in German?
No, adjectives and adverbs are usually not essentially the identical in German. Whereas adjectives are used to explain nouns in a sentence, adverbs are used to change verbs, adjectives, or different adverbs. Adjectives will even typically decline their ending to agree with the noun they’re modifying, however German adverbs don’t decline.
Do German adjectives at all times require an ending?
No, German adjectives don’t at all times require an ending. Attributive German adjectives that come instantly earlier than the noun they’re modifying at all times require a particular ending to agree with that noun. Nevertheless, predicative and adverbial adjectives in German by no means require a particular ending since they don’t instantly modify a noun.
Which a part of a compound noun does an adjective agree with?
German adjectives will change their ending to agree with the final a part of a compound noun when it comes to quantity, grammatical gender, and case. For instance, with the phrase der neue Haustürschlüssel (the brand new home key), the adjective neu (new) provides the suffix -e to agree with schlüssel (key) relatively than agreeing with Haus (home), for instance, which is a neuter noun.
