German word

fröhlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfrøːlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivecheerful

Example

Die fröhliche Frau lacht laut.

The cheerful woman laughs loudly.

Illustration for fröhlich (cheerful)

More examples

Auf dem Fest herrschte eine fröhliche Atmosphäre.

A cheerful atmosphere prevailed at the party.

Core concept

A smiling, lively presence that makes a person or setting feel bright and upbeat.

Common phrases

  • fröhliche Atmosphäre

    cheerful atmosphere

  • fröhliche Stimme

    cheerful voice

  • fröhliches Lied

    cheerful song

Similar words

froh: Feeling glad or relieved about something that has happened or will happen.
gutgelaunt: Showing a pleasant, energetic, and cheerful mood.
heiter: Gently bright and peaceful, with a fresh, pleasant quality.
lustig: Funny or entertaining in a way that lightens the mood.

Definition in German

Eine Person oder Stimmung, die heiter ist, oft lächelt oder lacht und eine lebhafte, positive Ausstrahlung zeigt.

Word origin

Fröhlich developed from Middle High German vrōlich or vrœlich, based on Old High German frō 'joyful' and the adjective-forming suffix -līh 'like'.

Usage tips

  • Fröhlich also describes atmospheres, occasions, and music, while froh more often expresses personal gladness about a situation or outcome.

Other meanings

  • happyadjective
  • merryadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Fröhlichkeitcheerfulnessnoun

Word lists with this word