German Conversation · Level 134
29 words
German word
desolat
Pronunciation
IPA/dezoˈlaːt/
Meaning
- adjectivemiserable
Example
Die desolate Lage war nicht zu übersehen.
The miserable situation could not be overlooked.
More examples
Das alte Haus war in desolatem Zustand.
The old house was in a desolate condition.
Core concept
An abandoned place or situation shows decay, neglect, and no visible path to recovery.
Common phrases
in desolatem Zustand
in a desolate condition
desolate Landschaft
desolate landscape
wirklich desolat
truly desolate
Similar words
schrecklich: Extremely unpleasant or frightening, and therefore very bad.
furchtbar: So bad that it causes strong discomfort or fear.
schlimm: Serious and harmful, with notably bad effects or consequences.
trostlos: Dark, lonely, and lacking comfort or hope.
Definition in German
in einem sehr schlechten, trostlosen Zustand; elend und hoffnungslos wirkend.
Word origin
German desolat comes from Latin desolatus, the past participle of desolare, meaning to abandon or lay waste.
Usage tips
- German desolat often describes conditions, finances, or situations, not only empty places, and has a more formal tone than sehr schlecht.
Other meanings
- run-downadjective
Opposites
- belebtlivelyadjective
- gepflegtwell-maintainedadjective
Related words
- Desolationdesolationnoun