German Conversation · Level 5
89 words
German word
steif
Pronunciation
IPA/ʃtaɪ̯f/
Meaning
- adjectivestiff
Example
Nach langer Fahrt ist mein Nacken steif.
After a long drive, my neck is stiff.
More examples
Trotz Kompliment blieb sein Lächeln steif.
Despite the compliment, his smile remained stiff.
Core concept
A rigid shape or manner lacks the flexible movement and ease expected in the situation.
Common phrases
ein steifes Lächeln
a stiff smile
mit steifer Stimme
in a stiff voice
eine steife Begrüßung
a formal greeting
Similar words
förmlich: Marked by excessive formality that makes social behavior feel stiff.
gehemmt: Holding back feelings or actions instead of responding freely and naturally.
verspannt: Affected by muscle tension that causes tightness and restricted movement.
starr: Hard and fixed, with almost no movement despite an attempt to move.
Definition in German
Unflexibel, förmlich oder unnatürlich wirkend; auch auf körperliche Zustände anwendbar.
Word origin
Steif continues an inherited Germanic adjective whose older forms include Old High German stīf, cognate with English "stiff".
Usage tips
- Steif wirken commonly describes a person or performance that feels distant, restrained, or formal, not merely a body that cannot move freely.