German Conversation · Level 14
87 words
German word
tief
Pronunciation
IPA/tiːf/
Meaning
- adjectivedeep
Example
Das Meer ist tiefer als der Fluss.
The sea is deeper than the river.
More examples
Er hat eine tiefe Stimme.
He has a low voice.
Core concept
A downward space or inward layer extends far from the surface, with the same sense applied to low voices and intense feelings.
Common phrases
tiefe Stimme
low voice
tiefe Atmung
deep breathing
Similar words
hoch: At a high position or degree.
niedrig: At a low position or degree.
Definition in German
Weit nach unten reichend; bei Stimme, Gefühl oder Farbe auf große Tiefe hinweisend.
Word origin
Tief descends from Old High German tiuf and is cognate with English deep, reflecting an inherited Germanic word for great downward extent.
Usage tips
- Tief usually describes depth, low pitch, or intensity, while niedrig usually describes a low position or small height.