German word

schlicht

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃlɪçt/

Meaning

  • adjectivesimple

Example

Sie trägt ein schlichtes Kleid.

She is wearing a simple dress.

Illustration for schlicht (simple)

More examples

Das Zimmer ist schlicht eingerichtet.

The room is plainly furnished.

Core concept

A room, design, or style reduced to its essential shapes, with nothing flashy competing for attention.

Common phrases

  • schlichtes Kleid

    plain dress

  • schlichte Einrichtung

    plain furnishings

  • schlichter Stil

    plain style

  • schlicht und einfach

    plain and simple

Similar words

einfach: Simple in appearance, with no complicated decoration or unnecessary elements.
dezent: Quiet and restrained in color or ornamentation.
unauffällig: Low-key in appearance, without drawing attention or seeming out of place.
simpel: Bare-bones and somewhat crude, with an overly basic finish or expression.

Definition in German

Einfach, ohne Verzierungen; knapp und unaufdringlich im Ausdruck.

Word origin

German schlicht continues Old High German sliht, whose meaning of "smooth" or "even" broadened to describe things without ornament.

Usage tips

  • Schlicht can suggest tasteful restraint or modesty, not merely a lack of quality or sophistication.

Other meanings

  • plainadjective
  • modestadjective

Opposites

  • prunkvollornateadjective
  • aufwendigelaborateadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word