German word

düster

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdyːstɐ/

Meaning

  • adjectivegloomy

Example

Der Film zeigte eine düstere Szene.

The film showed a gloomy scene.

Illustration for düster (gloomy)

More examples

Die Medien berichteten von düsteren Prognosen für das nächste Jahr.

The media reported gloomy predictions for next year.

Core concept

A darkened setting whose shadows create a bleak, troubling mood.

Common phrases

  • düstere Prognosen

    gloomy predictions

  • düstere Zukunft

    gloomy future

Similar words

trostlos: Bleak and barren, offering no relief or reassurance.
pessimistisch: Taking a negative view of what the future may bring.
finster: Appearing dark, threatening, or strangely unsettling.
trüb: Looking dim and unclear because the light or color is clouded.

Definition in German

Wenig Licht zeigend oder innerlich beklemmend, meist negativ gemeint.

Word origin

The adjective comes through Middle High German düster from older Germanic forms associated with darkness, and its figurative sense developed alongside its physical sense.

Usage tips

  • Unlike neutral "dunkel," düster usually adds an oppressive or pessimistic feeling rather than describing only a lack of light.

Other meanings

  • dimadjective
  • darkadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Düsternisgloomnoun
  • düsterlichgloomyadjective

Word lists with this word