German word

eigenartig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯gn̩ˌaʁtɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivestrange

Example

Das ist ein eigenartiges Verhalten.

That is strange behavior.

Illustration for eigenartig (strange)

More examples

Ich habe ein eigenartiges Gefühl.

I have a strange feeling.

Core concept

A person or thing follows its own recognizable pattern, making it stand out from what normally happens.

Common phrases

  • ein eigenartiges Gefühl

    a strange feeling

  • ein eigenartiges Verhalten

    strange behavior

  • eigenartige Gedanken

    strange thoughts

Similar words

seltsam: Odd in a way that seems puzzling and difficult to explain.
merkwürdig: Unusually odd, with an unsettling feeling that is hard to explain.
komisch: Weird in a way that causes confusion or discomfort when noticed.

Definition in German

Seltsam oder merkwürdig in Art oder Verhalten; nicht dem Gewohnten entsprechend.

Word origin

Eigenartig combines eigen ('own' or 'peculiar') with -artig, related to Art ('kind' or 'manner'), for something marked by its own manner.

Usage tips

  • In everyday German, eigenartig often signals mild puzzlement or disapproval, so 'distinctive' is not always its neutral English equivalent.

Other meanings

  • peculiaradjective
  • distinctiveadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Eigenartpeculiaritynoun
  • eigenartigerweisestrangelyadverb

Word lists with this word