German Conversation · Level 102
57 words
German word
lächerlich
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈlɛçɐlɪç/
Meaning
- adjectiveridiculous
Example
Das ist eine lächerliche Ausrede.
That is a ridiculous excuse.
More examples
Der Preis ist lächerlich im Vergleich zur Leistung.
The price is ridiculous compared with its performance.
Core concept
An idea looks so absurd that it loses all credibility and becomes comical.
Common phrases
eine lächerliche Forderung
a ridiculous demand
etwas lächerlich finden
find ___ ridiculous
lächerlich teuer
ridiculously expensive
Similar words
absurd: So illogical and unreasonable that it is difficult to believe.
albern: Childish and unserious in a way that seems mildly silly.
peinlich: Likely to cause embarrassment or an awkward feeling.
unsinnig: Lacking reason or meaning, with no sensible purpose or point.
Definition in German
So, dass etwas dumm oder absurd wirkt und dadurch Spott oder Gelächter hervorruft.
Word origin
The word developed from the German root lachen, 'to laugh', plus -lich, a suffix expressing a characteristic or effect.
Usage tips
- In phrases such as ein lächerlicher Preis, lächerlich can mean absurdly small or inadequate rather than funny.