German word

schmutzig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃmʊt͡sɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivedirty

Example

Dieses Hemd ist schmutziger als das andere.

This shirt is dirtier than the other one.

Illustration for schmutzig (dirty)

More examples

Nach der Gartenarbeit waren seine schmutzigen Hände deutlich zu sehen.

After gardening, his dirty hands were clearly visible.

Core concept

A coating of dirt that can also stain words, behavior, or reputation.

Common phrases

  • schmutzige Hände

    dirty hands

  • schmutzige Wäsche

    dirty laundry

  • schmutzig aussehen

    look dirty

Similar words

dreckig: Covered in heavy grime from mud, rubbish, or oil.
verschmutzt: Polluted or tainted by dirt, exhaust, or chemical substances.
schmuddelig: Shabby and slightly dirty from age and neglect.
unsauber: Dirty in a way that makes something unhygienic.

Definition in German

Unhygienisch oder im übertragenen Sinn unanständig gebraucht; körperliche oder moralische Unsauberkeit bezeichnend.

Word origin

The adjective schmutzig is formed from Schmutz, meaning dirt, with the adjective-forming suffix -ig.

Usage tips

  • In expressions such as schmutzige Witze, the word often means indecent or off-color rather than physically dirty.

Other meanings

  • filthyadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word