German Conversation · Level 80
60 words
German word
deftig
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈdɛftɪç/
Meaning
- adjectivehearty
Example
Das Frühstück war deftig.
The breakfast was hearty.
More examples
Die Suppe ist deftig gewürzt.
The soup is richly seasoned.
Core concept
Something deftig has weight and impact, whether it is a substantial meal or a blunt expression.
Common phrases
ein deftiges Frühstück
a hearty breakfast
eine deftige Mahlzeit
a hearty meal
deftige Hausmannskost
hearty home cooking
Similar words
herzhaft: Full-flavored and savory, with an inviting home-cooked quality.
reichhaltig: Rich in ingredients or content, making it notably complete and substantial.
sättigend: Providing lasting fullness through ample, satisfying substance.
kräftig: Powerful and clearly noticeable in flavor, effect, or overall impression.
Definition in German
Robust und kraftvoll; bei Speisen reichhaltig und bei Ausdrucken oft wenig fein oder derb.
Word origin
The adjective is an inherited German development from Middle High German deftig, whose early meanings included strong, capable, and substantial.
Usage tips
- Applied to speech, humor, or wording, deftig can suggest bluntness or crudeness, so it is not normally praise for polished language.