German edit

Etymology edit

From Middle High German slimp (slanting, awry), from Proto-Germanic *slimbaz (oblique, crooked). Compare English slim (thin), Dutch slim (clever, smart), Middle Dutch slim (bad, crooked).

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ʃlɪm/
  • Audio (Austria):(file)
  • Audio:(file)

Adjective edit

schlimm (strong nominative masculine singular schlimmer, comparative schlimmer, superlative am schlimmsten)

  1. bad, terrible, serious (seriously bad), dire, horrible, awful
    noch schlimmereven worse
    Am schlimmsten...Worst of all...
    Das Schlimmste an...The worst thing about...
  2. hurting, ill, infected
    ein schlimmer Fußan aching foot

Usage notes edit

  • Schlecht and schlimm are widely synonymous. However, schlecht is used more of things that are objectively bad, while schlimm is more subjective and therefore perhaps also more intensive.

Declension edit

Related terms edit

Adverb edit

schlimm

  1. badly, severely

See also edit

Further reading edit

  • schlimm” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache
  • schlimm” in Uni Leipzig: Wortschatz-Lexikon
  • schlimm” in Duden online

Pennsylvania German edit

Etymology edit

Compare German schlimm, Dutch slim, English slim.

Adjective edit

schlimm

  1. bad
  2. sad
  3. serious, grave
  4. very ill