adjective
runzelig
wrinkled · wrinkly
Mit vielen kleinen Falten auf der Oberfläche.
Definition & meaning
The German adjective runzelig describes something that has wrinkles, folds, or shriveled skin. It is most commonly used to describe:
- Skin: Describing the face or hands of an elderly person, often as a natural sign of aging.
- Produce: Describing fruits or vegetables (such as apples or potatoes) that have lost their moisture and freshness, causing the surface to become uneven and shriveled.
- Objects: Describing any surface that has small, irregular folds or creases.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is an adjective. When used before a noun, it follows standard German declension rules (e.g., ein runzeliges Gesicht).
- Word origin: It is derived from the noun Runzel, which means "wrinkle." The suffix -ig is a common German suffix used to turn a noun into an adjective, indicating the quality of possessing the root word (similar to "-y" in English, like "wrinkly").
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- faltig (wrinkled/creased)
- schrumpelig (shriveled/shrunken)
- zerknittert (crumpled/creased)
- runzlig (a common alternative spelling)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Die runzeligen Blätter fielen im Herbst ab.adjective
The wrinkled leaves fell off in autumn.
Wird meine Haut im Alter sehr runzelig?adjective
Will my skin become very wrinkly in old age?
Seine runzelige Stirn zeigte, dass er nachdachte.adjective
His wrinkled forehead showed that he was thinking.
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