German word

simpel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈzɪmpl̩/

Meaning

  • adjectivesimple

Example

Die Antwort war simpel.

The answer was simple.

Illustration for simpel (simple)

More examples

Kurz simpel formuliert: Jeder kann teilnehmen.

Briefly and simply put, anyone can participate.

Core concept

A solution with no intricate parts, sometimes because its reasoning has been reduced too far.

Common phrases

  • simpel formuliert

    put simply

  • ein simples Beispiel

    a simple example

Similar words

einfach: Easy to understand because it involves no complex structure or reasoning.
leicht: Not demanding much effort, time, or energy.
schlicht: Plain and understated, without decorative or unnecessary elements.
unkompliziert: Easy to handle because its process or structure creates few problems.

Definition in German

einfach; ohne komplizierte Teile oder Gedanken und oft abwertend gebraucht

Word origin

German simpel came through French simple from Latin simplex, meaning 'single' or 'uncompounded', and developed the sense of lacking complexity.

Usage tips

  • Unlike neutral einfach, simpel can suggest that an answer or idea is insufficiently sophisticated.

Other meanings

  • easyadjective
  • simplisticadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Simplifizierungsimplificationnoun
  • simplifizierensimplifyverb

Word lists with this word