German Conversation · Level 15
88 words
German word
eng
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛŋ/
Meaning
- adjectivenarrow
Example
Der Raum ist eng.
The room is narrow.
More examples
Die Jacke ist eng, ich bekomme den Reißverschluss nicht zu.
The jacket is tight, and I can't close the zipper.
Core concept
A passage with walls nearly touching, extending to people who share very little social distance.
Common phrases
enge Jacke
close-fitting jacket
enge Jeans
close-fitting jeans
enge Schuhe
close-fitting shoes
Similar words
schmal: Narrow in width from one side to the other.
beengt: Cramped and uncomfortable because there is too little space.
anliegend: Close-fitting and shaped to follow the body.
dicht: Packed closely together with barely any gaps.
Definition in German
mit wenig Platz oder Abstand; im übertragenen Sinn: in persönlicher Beziehung nahe stehen
Word origin
German eng continues Middle High German enge and Old High German engi, an inherited Germanic adjective related to the verb engen.
Usage tips
- For clothing, shoes, or rooms, zu eng means too tight or cramped, while eine enge Freundin means a close female friend.