German Conversation · Level 9
87 words
German word
dunkel
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈdʊŋkl̩/
Meaning
- adjectivedark
Example
Das Zimmer ist dunkler als vorher.
The room is darker than before.
More examples
Sie trägt dunkle Kleidung.
She wears dark clothing.
Core concept
A lamp turned down until the room still has light but clear details become difficult to make out.
Common phrases
dunkles Zimmer
dark room
bei dunklem Licht
in dim light
Similar words
hell: Giving off strong light so that details and colors are easy to see.
schwarz: Being black in color.
trüb: Looking dull and muted, without vivid brightness or clear color.
düster: Producing a dark, oppressive, and gloomy atmosphere.
Definition in German
Geringe Helligkeit aufweisend; so wenig Licht, dass Details schwer zu erkennen sind.
Word origin
The German adjective dunkel developed from Old High German tunkal or dunkal within an inherited Germanic word family that includes English dark.
Usage tips
- Dunkel can describe a shade of color as well as lighting, as in ein dunkles Blau for a dark blue shade.
Other meanings
- dimadjective
- darkishadjective
Opposites
- hellbrightadjective
Related words
- Dunkelheitdarknessnoun
- dunkelhaarigdark-hairedadjective