German word

oberflächlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈoːbɐˌflɛçlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivesuperficial

Example

Seine Kritik war sehr oberflächlich.

His criticism was very superficial.

Illustration for oberflächlich (superficial)

More examples

Beim Lesen merkte man, dass die Angaben oberflächlich waren.

While reading, one noticed that the information was superficial.

Core concept

A quick skim reveals appearances but leaves the substance and important details unexplored.

Common phrases

  • oberflächliche Kenntnisse

    superficial knowledge

  • oberflächliche Recherche

    superficial research

Similar words

seicht: Lacking depth or substantial content.
flüchtig: Done quickly and briefly, with little detailed examination.
äußerlich: Related only to outward appearance, not inner qualities or substance.

Definition in German

Auf die Oberfläche beschränkt; nur nach dem ersten Eindruck beurteilt und nicht tiefgehend.

Word origin

The adjective derives from Oberfläche ('surface') with the suffix -lich, so its figurative senses extend surface limitation to shallow judgment or knowledge.

Usage tips

  • Oberflächlich can describe a person's manner or knowledge as shallow, so it often conveys criticism rather than merely physical lack of depth.

Other meanings

  • shallowadjective

Opposites

  • substanziellsubstantialadjective
  • tiefgründigprofoundadjective

Related words

  • Oberflächlichkeitsuperficialitynoun

Word lists with this word