German Conversation · Level 41
72 words
German word
ironisch
Pronunciation
IPA/iˈʁoːnɪʃ/
Meaning
- adjectiveironic
Example
Seine ironische Bemerkung kam bei ihr nicht gut an.
His ironic remark did not go over well with her.
More examples
Sie antwortete mit ironischem Unterton.
She replied with an ironic undertone.
Core concept
Words point one way while the speaker's real judgment points the other way.
Common phrases
mit ironischem Unterton
with an ironic undertone
ein ironischer Kommentar
an ironic comment
ironische Bemerkung
an ironic remark
Similar words
sarkastisch: Expressing harsh criticism through deliberately cutting mockery.
zynisch: Showing a bleak distrust of people, feelings, or moral values.
spöttisch: Ridiculing someone or something with scornful humor.
scherzhaft: Intended as playful humor rather than a serious statement.
Definition in German
So, dass man mit Worten das Gegenteil dessen ausdrückt, was man eigentlich meint, oft spöttisch oder kritisch gemeint.
Word origin
The adjective ironisch comes through French ironique from Latin ironia and ultimately Greek eironeia, referring to feigned ignorance or dissembling, with German -isch forming the adjective.
Usage tips
- Ironisch can describe irony without strong hostility, whereas sarkastisch usually suggests sharper, more openly biting mockery.