German Conversation · Level 80
60 words
German word
finster
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈfɪnstɐ/
Meaning
- adjectivedark
Example
Die finstere Höhle ist dunkel.
The dark cave is dark.
More examples
Seine finstere Miene machte alle nervös.
His gloomy expression made everyone nervous.
Core concept
A lightless place where vague shadows make the surroundings feel threatening.
Common phrases
finstere Stimmung
gloomy mood
finstere Miene
gloomy expression
finstere Gestalt
eerie figure
Similar words
dunkel: Having little light, making things difficult to see.
trüb: Dim or cloudy, with colors appearing dull and muted.
unheimlich: Strange and unsettling, creating a sense of fear or unease.
Definition in German
dunkel; so, dass wenig oder kein Licht vorhanden ist und dadurch eine unheimliche Stimmung entsteht
Word origin
Finster continues Old High German finstar, an inherited Germanic adjective meaning dark that developed an additional ominous sense.
Usage tips
- Unlike neutral dunkel, finster often adds a gloomy or menacing tone, so it suits atmosphere and character descriptions as well as literal darkness.