schief
crooked
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The German word "schief" is an adjective that means "crooked" or "inclined". It can describe something that is not straight or is out of alignment. Additionally, it can also mean "askew" or "slanted".
Similar words in German include "krumm" (crooked, bent), "schräg" (slanted), and "schräg" also means "oblique".
Differences:
- "Krumm": While "schief" and "krumm" both mean "crooked," "krumm" is often used to describe something that is bent or not straight, often in a curved manner (like a bent wire).
- "Schräg": This means "slanted" or "sloped" and can refer to both angles and perspectives. "Schief" and "schräg" can sometimes be used interchangeably when referring to objects that are not horizontal or vertical, but "schräg" is generally used more in geometric contexts.
By understanding these subtle differences, you'll be able to more accurately describe various misalignments and orientations in German.
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Examples
Das Bild hängt schief an der Wand.adverb
The picture is hanging crooked on the wall.
Die Tür steht etwas schief.adverb
The door is slightly crooked.
Der Turm steht etwas schief im Wind.adverb
The tower stands a bit crooked in the wind.
Die Tür hängt schief in den Angeln.adverb
The door hangs crooked in the hinges.
Das Bild ist schief.adjective
The picture is crooked.
Der Tisch sieht schief aus.adjective
The table looks crooked.
Der Spiegel an der Wand sieht schief aus.adjective
The mirror on the wall looks crooked.
Dieses Bild hängt schief an der Wand.adjective
This picture is hanging crooked on the wall.
Die schiefen Zähne mussten vom Zahnarzt korrigiert werden.adjective
The crooked teeth had to be corrected by the dentist.
Die Schüler lachten über die schiefe Zeichnung auf der Tafel.adjective
The students laughed at the crooked drawing on the board.
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