German word

eiskalt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯sˈkalt/

Meaning

  • adjectivefreezing cold

Example

Der Wind ist eiskalt.

The wind is freezing cold.

Illustration for eiskalt (freezing cold)

More examples

Die Nachricht traf ihn wie eine eiskalte Wahrheit.

The news hit him like an ice-cold truth.

Core concept

A blade of ice slicing through the air and through a person's emotional warmth.

Common phrases

  • eiskalte Wahrheit

    ice-cold truth

  • ein eiskaltes Verhalten

    ice-cold behavior

Similar words

kalt: Having a low temperature and causing a cold sensation.
eisig: Ice-cold and biting, with a chill that penetrates the body.
kühl: Mildly cold, with a calm and refreshing effect.
reserviert: Restrained in emotion or manner, seeming distant and unapproachable.

Definition in German

sehr kalt wie Eis; im übertragenen Sinn gefühllos oder hart im Verhalten

Word origin

The compound joins German Eis, 'ice', with kalt, 'cold', and its literal sense extends to emotionally hard or unfeeling behavior.

Usage tips

  • In figurative use, eiskalt is markedly harsher than kühl and often criticizes a person's conduct or response.

Other meanings

  • cold-heartedadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Eiskälteicy coldnessnoun

Word lists with this word