German Conversation · Level 62
74 words
German word
lau
Pronunciation
IPA/laʊ̯/
Meaning
- adjectivelukewarm
Example
Die Suppe ist lau.
The soup is lukewarm.
More examples
Das Publikum spendete dem Schauspieler lauen Applaus.
The audience gave the actor tepid applause.
Core concept
A cup sitting between hot and cool mirrors the lack of intensity expressed by a weak assessment.
Common phrases
ein laues Bier
a tepid beer
einen lauen Empfang
a tepid reception
Similar words
lauwarm: Barely warm, retaining some warmth but lacking strong heat.
warm: Clearly warm to the touch, with a noticeable level of heat.
handwarm: Comfortably warm, close to body temperature and pleasant to touch.
kühl: Slightly cool, with a faintly cold feel rather than warmth.
Definition in German
leicht warm und nicht heiß; kann temperaturangabe sein, aber auch eine wenig überzeugende Bewertung ausdrücken
Word origin
German lau is an inherited Germanic adjective, attested as Middle High German lû and earlier Old High German lāo.
Usage tips
- In phrases such as ein laues Lob, lau means faint praise rather than praise expressed in a gentle manner.