adjective
schimmelig
moldy
Definition & meaning
The adjective schimmelig describes something that is covered in mold (fungus).
- Literal meaning: Used for food or objects that have developed mold due to moisture or age (e.g., "Das Brot ist schimmelig" - The bread is moldy).
- Figurative meaning: Used colloquially to describe something that is outdated, dusty, stale, or "musty" in a metaphorical sense, such as old-fashioned ideas or a place that has been closed for a long time.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is an adjective. When declined, it follows standard German adjective inflection rules (e.g., "ein schimmeliger Apfel").
- Word origin: The word is derived from the German noun der Schimmel (mold). The suffix "-ig" is added to form the adjective, which is a common way in German to turn nouns into adjectives describing a state or quality.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- verschimmelt (moldy/molded)
- schimmelig is often used interchangeably with verschimmelt to describe the state of having mold on it.
- modrig (musty/decaying) – specifically for things that smell like decay or dampness.
- verstaubt (dusty/outdated) – used in the figurative sense.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Das Brot ist schimmelig.adjective
The bread is moldy.
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