German word

schlecht

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃlɛçt/

Meaning

  • adjectivebad

Example

Das ist ein schlechtes Beispiel.

That is a bad example.

Illustration for schlecht (bad)

More examples

Mir geht es schlecht.

I feel bad.

Core concept

A thing, result, or situation that falls short of the expected standard.

Common phrases

  • schlechtes Wetter

    bad weather

  • schlechte Noten

    bad grades

  • schlechte Nachricht

    bad news

Similar words

schlimm: Serious and involving a major problem or harmful situation.
mies: Informal term for something of very poor quality or a very bad mood.
schrecklich: So unpleasant that it causes strong dislike or intense discomfort.
übel: Feeling physically unwell or sick to the stomach.

Definition in German

mangelhaft; von geringem Wert oder ungünstig im Zustand oder im Ergebnis.

Word origin

German schlecht developed from Old High German sleht, meaning smooth, straight, or plain, and later acquired the sense of inferior or bad.

Usage tips

  • Before a noun, schlecht takes an ending as in ein schlechtes Beispiel, but it stays schlecht after sein and when used as an adverb.

Other meanings

  • unpalatableadjective
  • badlyadverb

Opposites

  • gutgoodadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word