German word

prekär

Pronunciation

IPA/preˈkɛːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adjectiveprecarious

Example

Die finanzielle Lage wird immer prekärer.

The financial situation is becoming increasingly precarious.

Illustration for prekär (precarious)

More examples

Die Arbeiter mussten unter prekären Bedingungen arbeiten.

The workers had to work under precarious conditions.

Core concept

A narrow bridge flexes under a person's weight, and every step risks a serious fall.

Common phrases

  • unter prekären Bedingungen

    under precarious conditions

  • prekäre Beschäftigungsverhältnisse

    precarious employment relationships

Similar words

unsicher: Not secure or predictable, so safety or success cannot be assured.
instabil: Prone to losing its balance, shape, or stability.
heikel: Requiring special care because a small mistake could cause problems.
kritisch: Serious and urgent because a situation may soon become harmful.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet Situationen oder Arbeitsverhältnisse, die unsicher sind und ernsthafte Nachteile oder Belastungen verursachen können.

Word origin

German prekär was borrowed through French précaire from Latin precarius, meaning dependent on a request or favor, and developed the sense of insecure or uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In German, prekär is a formal adjective common in discussions of employment, finances, and social conditions rather than casual conversation.

Other meanings

  • criticaladjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Prekariatprecariatnoun
  • prekärerweiseprecariouslyadverb

Word lists with this word