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A2 adjective #7,000 más común 13 min de lectura

wolkig

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos wolkig en 30 segundos

Explicación wolkig in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'wolkig' is one of the first weather words you will learn. It is used in very simple sentences to describe what you see when you look outside. The focus is on the basic structure 'Es ist wolkig' (It is cloudy). You will learn this alongside other basic weather terms like 'sonnig' (sunny), 'regnerisch' (rainy), and 'kalt' (cold). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar or nuanced differences between synonyms. The goal is simply to be able to answer the question 'Wie ist das Wetter?' (How is the weather?) with a one-word or two-word response. You might also see it on simple weather icons in textbooks or apps. It's a foundational word that helps you build your basic descriptive vocabulary. Because weather is a universal topic, knowing 'wolkig' allows you to participate in very simple social interactions right from the start of your German journey. You will likely practice saying it in the present tense and perhaps the simple past 'Es war wolkig' (It was cloudy). The pronunciation of the '-ig' ending as '-ich' is a key point to notice even at this early stage, as it helps you sound more natural. Overall, A1 learners use 'wolkig' as a basic building block for daily communication.

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At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'wolkig' by adding adverbs of degree and using it in slightly more complex sentence structures. You will learn to say things like 'Es ist heute sehr wolkig' (It is very cloudy today) or 'Es ist ein bisschen wolkig' (It is a bit cloudy). You will also start using the comparative and superlative forms: 'Heute ist es wolkiger als gestern' (Today it is cloudier than yesterday). This level also introduces the use of 'wolkig' as an attributive adjective, meaning you place it before a noun. This requires you to learn adjective endings, such as 'ein wolkiger Tag' (a cloudy day) or 'das wolkige Wetter' (the cloudy weather). You might also encounter the word in short weather forecasts or simple news stories. At A2, you are expected to understand the word in context and use it to provide more detailed descriptions of your surroundings. You might also start to notice the difference between 'wolkig' and 'bewölkt' in reading materials, even if you don't use them perfectly yet. The word becomes part of your toolkit for describing past holidays or planning future trips. It's no longer just a standalone word but a flexible part of your growing German grammar.

At the B1 level, your understanding of 'wolkig' becomes more nuanced. You will encounter it in more detailed weather reports and learn specific phrases like 'heiter bis wolkig' (fair to cloudy) or 'wechselnd wolkig' (partly cloudy). You are now able to use the word in subordinate clauses, such as 'Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es heute so wolkig ist' (I'm staying home because it's so cloudy today). You will also start to understand the metaphorical or secondary uses of the word, such as describing a liquid as 'wolkig' (cloudy/opaque). At B1, you should be able to distinguish between 'wolkig', 'bewölkt', and 'bedeckt' based on the intensity of the cloud cover. You might also use the word in more formal writing, like a report on a trip or an email to a colleague about outdoor plans. Your pronunciation should be more consistent, and you should be comfortable with all the adjective declensions. B1 learners also begin to understand the cultural context—why weather is such a common topic in Germany and how 'wolkig' fits into that social fabric. The word is now a tool for more sophisticated expression and comprehension.

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At the B2 level, 'wolkig' is used with high precision. You can discuss meteorological phenomena in detail and understand the subtle differences in register between 'wolkig' and its more technical synonyms. You will encounter the word in more complex texts, such as newspaper articles about climate change or literature where the weather is used to set a specific mood. You should be able to use 'wolkig' in a variety of grammatical structures, including passive constructions or with different modal verbs: 'Es könnte am Nachmittag wolkig werden' (It could become cloudy in the afternoon). You will also be aware of regional variations in how the word is used or pronounced. At this level, you can also avoid common pitfalls like using 'wolkig' for 'confused' or 'unclear' situations where a different word would be more appropriate. You understand the idiomatic limits of the word. Your vocabulary is broad enough that you can choose 'wolkig' specifically when you want to sound descriptive and natural, rather than just using it because it's the only word you know. It becomes a choice of style and precision.

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At the C1 level, you have a near-native command of 'wolkig'. You understand its use in highly specialized contexts, such as technical scientific reports or sophisticated literary descriptions. You can appreciate the nuances of how an author might use 'wolkig' to evoke a particular atmosphere or to symbolize a character's state of mind, even if the word itself is literal. You are also familiar with rare or archaic uses of the word and its related forms. At this level, you can effortlessly switch between 'wolkig', 'bewölkt', 'bedeckt', 'verhangen', and 'düster' to achieve the exact tone and meaning you desire. You can participate in complex discussions about weather patterns, climate, or even the physics of light, using 'wolkig' correctly within those frameworks. Your use of the word is grammatically perfect in all cases, genders, and moods. You also have a deep understanding of the cultural and historical associations of cloudy weather in German-speaking countries, perhaps referencing famous paintings or poems where a 'wolkiger Himmel' plays a central role. The word is no longer a 'learning' item but a fully integrated part of your advanced linguistic repertoire.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'wolkig' is complete. You can use the word with the same subtlety and range as a highly educated native speaker. This includes using it in creative writing, professional meteorology, or academic linguistics. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved over centuries. You can analyze the use of 'wolkig' in historical German texts and compare it to modern usage. In conversation, you can use the word with perfect timing and tone, perhaps using it ironically or as part of a sophisticated joke about the German climate. You are also aware of the most obscure synonyms and can explain the minute differences between them to others. At this level, 'wolkig' is just one small part of a vast and intricately connected web of German vocabulary that you navigate with ease. You can produce complex, flowing prose where 'wolkig' appears as a natural and precise choice among many possibilities. Your understanding extends to the very limits of the word's meaning, including its rare metaphorical applications in philosophy or science. You have achieved total fluency and can use 'wolkig' to express even the most delicate shades of meaning.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

wolkig en 30 segundos

Wolkig is the standard German word for 'cloudy', derived from 'Wolke' (cloud).
It is used for weather reports, casual talk, and describing non-transparent liquids.
The word can be used before nouns (wolkiger Tag) or after verbs (Es ist wolkig).
It is less intense than 'bedeckt' (overcast) but more cloudy than 'heiter' (fair).

The German adjective wolkig is a fundamental term in the German language, primarily used to describe meteorological conditions where the sky is obscured by clouds. At its core, the word is derived from the noun die Wolke (the cloud), combined with the common adjectival suffix -ig, which functions similarly to the English suffix '-y'. Therefore, wolkig literally translates to 'cloudy'. In everyday German life, this word is ubiquitous, appearing in everything from casual morning greetings to highly technical weather forecasts produced by the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD). Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the German obsession with weather, as the climate in Central Europe is famously variable. When a German speaker says it is wolkig, they are describing a sky that is not entirely clear but also not necessarily completely dark or stormy. It represents a middle ground in the atmospheric spectrum.

Atmospheric State: The primary use of wolkig is to indicate that clouds are present in the sky. It is the most neutral way to describe this condition, lacking the negative connotations of words like 'trüb' (gloomy) or 'finster' (dark).

Der Wetterbericht sagt, dass es am Nachmittag im Norden Deutschlands überwiegend wolkig sein wird.

Beyond the weather, wolkig can occasionally be used in a metaphorical sense, though this is less common than its literal application. For instance, one might describe a liquid that has become opaque as being wolkig, such as unfiltered apple juice or a chemical solution that has precipitated. This usage emphasizes the visual quality of having 'cloud-like' swirls or a lack of transparency. In the realm of German literature and poetry, the word often sets a mood of contemplation or mild melancholy, reflecting the soft, diffused light of a cloudy day.

Visual Texture: In non-weather contexts, wolkig describes any substance or surface that lacks clarity and contains visible, soft-edged masses resembling clouds in the sky.

Culturally, the term is linked to the German appreciation for 'Wandern' (hiking). A day that is wolkig is often considered better for long walks than a day with 'purer Sonnenschein' (pure sunshine), as the clouds provide a natural shield against the heat. This practical perspective highlights how the meaning of a word is shaped by the lifestyle of its speakers.

Es ist zwar wolkig, aber die Temperaturen sind perfekt für eine Radtour durch den Schwarzwald.

Furthermore, the word appears in several fixed expressions. For example, 'leicht wolkig' (slightly cloudy) and 'stark wolkig' (heavily cloudy) allow for precise descriptions of the sky's appearance. These gradations are essential for German precision. Interestingly, the word does not typically extend to emotional states in the same way 'cloudy' might in English (e.g., 'cloudy judgment' is more often 'getrübt'). This distinction is vital for learners to avoid 'Denglish'—the mixing of German and English idioms.

Grammatical Function: As an adjective, wolkig can be used predicatively (Das Wetter ist wolkig) or attributively (Ein wolkiger Tag). It follows standard German declension patterns when used before a noun.

An einem wolkigen Vormittag trinken wir unseren Kaffee am liebsten drinnen.

Wenn es wolkig ist, sieht man die Alpen von München aus leider nicht so gut.

In summary, wolkig is more than just a weather term; it is a building block of German descriptive language, reflecting the environment, the precision of the culture, and the practical nature of everyday communication in German-speaking countries.

Using wolkig correctly involves understanding both its grammatical placement and its semantic nuances. As an adjective, it primarily functions in two ways: describing the weather state using the impersonal 'es' (it) or describing a specific noun. For beginners, the most common sentence structure is 'Es ist wolkig' (It is cloudy). This simple subject-verb-adjective pattern is the foundation for weather talk. However, as you progress, you will need to adapt the word to different cases and genders when using it as an attributive adjective. For example, in the phrase 'ein wolkiger Himmel' (a cloudy sky), the ending changes based on the masculine gender of 'Himmel' and the nominative case.

Predicative Usage: When the word follows a linking verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become), it remains in its base form 'wolkig' regardless of the subject.

Morgen wird es laut Vorhersage den ganzen Tag wolkig bleiben.

To add more detail, German speakers often use adverbs of degree. 'Leicht wolkig' suggests a few scattered clouds, while 'stark wolkig' implies a heavy, dense layer of clouds. Another common variation is 'wechselnd wolkig', which translates to 'partly cloudy' or 'intermittently cloudy', a phrase you will hear constantly on German radio weather updates. This level of detail is characteristic of the German language's desire for accuracy.

Attributive Usage: When placed before a noun, the word must be declined. For example: 'Trotz des wolkigen Wetters (genitive) gingen wir spazieren.'

Ein wolkiger Tag kann auch sehr gemütlich sein, wenn man ein gutes Buch hat.

In more complex sentences, wolkig can be part of a comparison. The comparative form is 'wolkiger' and the superlative is 'am wolkigsten'. You might hear someone say, 'Heute ist es wolkiger als gestern' (Today it is cloudier than yesterday). This is particularly useful when discussing climate trends or planning outdoor events. When describing liquids, the sentence structure remains the same but the context changes entirely. 'Der Apfelsaft ist wolkig' indicates that the juice is naturally cloudy (unfiltered), which is often seen as a sign of quality in Germany ('naturtrüb' is a more technical synonym here).

Temporal Contexts: Wolkig is frequently used with time adverbs like 'meistens' (mostly), 'gelegentlich' (occasionally), or 'anhaltend' (continuously).

Es war den ganzen Vormittag wolkig, aber pünktlich zum Mittagessen kam die Sonne heraus.

Die Aussichten für das Wochenende sind leider eher wolkig und kühl.

In den Bergen kann es sehr schnell wolkig werden, man muss also vorsichtig sein.

By mastering these patterns, you can effectively communicate weather conditions and visual observations. Whether you are writing a formal report or chatting with a neighbor about the lack of sun, wolkig provides the necessary linguistic flexibility. Always pay attention to the surrounding words, as they often dictate which form of the adjective you need to use.

To truly understand wolkig, you must listen to how it is used in the diverse environments of German-speaking life. The most prominent place you will encounter this word is the 'Wetterbericht' (weather report). Whether it is the evening news on ARD's 'Tagesschau' or a quick glance at a smartphone app like 'WarnWetter', wolkig is a staple. In these professional contexts, it is often paired with percentages or specific regions: 'Im Südwesten meist wolkig bei 15 Grad.' This usage is clinical and precise.

Media and Broadcasting: Radio announcers and TV weather presenters use 'wolkig' as a standard descriptor. It is one of the first words a learner will recognize in a broadcast.

Hier ist der Wetterbericht: Am Abend bleibt es im ganzen Land wolkig mit vereinzelten Schauern.

Beyond the media, you will hear wolkig in every 'Smalltalk' situation. Germans are famous for discussing the weather as a social icebreaker. At a bus stop, in an elevator, or while waiting in line at the 'Bäckerei' (bakery), a simple 'Ganz schön wolkig heute' can start a conversation. In these settings, the word often carries a tone of shared experience—perhaps a slight collective disappointment that the sun isn't out, or a pragmatic acceptance of the day's conditions.

Social Interaction: 'Wolkig' serves as a neutral, safe topic for starting conversations with strangers or acquaintances in Germany.

'Guten Morgen! Es ist ja heute wieder ziemlich wolkig.' - 'Ja, hoffentlich regnet es nicht.'

In the educational system, children learn wolkig very early. It is part of the 'Sachunterricht' (general studies) curriculum where they learn to observe nature. You might hear a teacher asking, 'Wie sieht der Himmel heute aus? Ist er blau oder wolkig?' This early exposure cements the word as a basic descriptor of the world. In the workplace, especially for those working outdoors like 'Bauarbeiter' (construction workers) or 'Gärtner' (gardeners), the word is used to plan the day's tasks. A 'wolkiger Tag' might be the perfect time for physically demanding labor that would be too exhausting in direct sun. Another interesting place to hear the word is in the culinary world. When someone describes a 'wolkige Konsistenz' of a mousse or a sauce, they are praising its light, airy, and fluffy texture. This is a positive, sensory use of the word that deviates from the weather. Similarly, in the craft of glassblowing or jewelry making, a stone or piece of glass might be described as wolkig if it has internal inclusions that make it look misty.

Technical and Artistic Contexts: The word describes visual opacity or light-diffusing qualities in materials and food.

Der Opal hat eine wunderschöne, wolkige Struktur, die das Licht bricht.

Dieses Weißbier ist von Natur aus wolkig und sollte vor dem Einschenken leicht geschwenkt werden.

Die Aussicht vom Gipfel war enttäuschend, weil es plötzlich extrem wolkig wurde.

Understanding these diverse contexts allows a learner to move beyond the textbook and use wolkig like a native speaker.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using wolkig is confusing it with its close relative, bewölkt. While they both mean 'cloudy', they are used in slightly different ways. Wolkig is more casual and descriptive of the presence of clouds, whereas bewölkt is more systematic and often refers to the total amount of cloud cover. Using bewölkt in a casual conversation can sometimes sound overly formal, like saying 'The sky is currently overcast' instead of 'It's cloudy'. Conversely, using wolkig in a scientific context might seem imprecise.

Register Confusion: Mistaking the informal 'wolkig' for the more formal 'bewölkt' or 'bedeckt' in technical writing.

Falsch: Der Himmel ist heute total bewölkt. (Not strictly wrong, but 'wolkig' is more natural for a casual chat).

Another common pitfall is the literal translation of English idioms. In English, we might say 'My mind is cloudy' or 'The situation is cloudy'. In German, using wolkig here would sound very strange. Instead, Germans use words like unklar (unclear), verwirrt (confused), or verschwommen (blurry). Learners must resist the urge to map every English use of 'cloudy' onto wolkig.

Idiomatic Interference: Translating English metaphors literally into German using 'wolkig' often results in nonsensical sentences.

Falsch: Meine Erinnerung an den Unfall ist wolkig. (Correct: Meine Erinnerung ist verschwommen).

Pronunciation also presents a challenge. The suffix -ig is a classic trap. In Standard German (Hochdeutsch), the g at the end of -ig is pronounced like the ch in ich (/ɪç/). Many learners incorrectly pronounce it with a hard /g/ sound, like in the English word 'pig'. While this is common in some Southern German dialects (like Bavarian), it is technically incorrect in standard speech and can make you harder to understand in the North. Grammar-wise, forgetting the adjective endings is a perennial problem. Beginners often say 'ein wolkig Tag' instead of 'ein wolkiger Tag'. Because wolkig is so often used in the simple 'Es ist wolkig' form, learners sometimes forget that it needs to change when it moves in front of a noun.

Declension Errors: Failing to add the correct endings (-er, -e, -es, -en) when 'wolkig' is used as an attributive adjective.

Falsch: Wir hatten ein wolkig Wochenende. (Correct: ein wolkiges Wochenende).

Lastly, confusing wolkig with neblig (foggy) or dunstig (hazy) can lead to misunderstandings. Clouds are in the sky; fog is on the ground. If you tell someone it's wolkig when they can't see the car in front of them, they will be very confused!

Es ist so wolkig, dass ich die Straße nicht sehen kann. (Mistake: should be 'neblig').

Das Wasser im Pool ist wolkig. (Better: 'trüb', though 'wolkig' might be understood as having cloud-like swirls).

By being mindful of these common errors, you can improve your fluency and sound more natural in your German interactions.

German is a language of nuances, and while wolkig is the standard word for 'cloudy', there are many alternatives that can make your speech more precise and expressive. The most common synonym is bewölkt. While often used interchangeably, bewölkt usually implies a higher degree of cloud cover. If the sky is 50% clouds, it's wolkig; if it's 80%, it's bewölkt.

wolkig vs. bewölkt: 'Wolkig' is more descriptive and general, while 'bewölkt' is more technical and suggests a fuller covering of the sky.

Der Himmel ist heute bewölkt, aber es gibt noch ein paar blaue Lücken.

Another important word is bedeckt (overcast). This is used when the entire sky is covered and no blue is visible at all. It is a 'flatter' and more oppressive state than wolkig. If wolkig is 'cloudy', bedeckt is 'covered'.

bedeckt: Used when the sky is 100% covered by clouds, typically leading to a gray, shadowless light.

Es ist heute komplett bedeckt, wir werden keinen Sonnenuntergang sehen.

For a more poetic or atmospheric description, you might use trüb (gloomy/murky). This word carries a more negative emotional weight, suggesting a lack of light and perhaps a bit of sadness. Düster (dark/gloomy) is even stronger, often used for storm clouds or winter days where the light never truly arrives. In technical weather reports, you will also encounter heiter bis wolkig (fair to cloudy). This is a very common phrase that describes a day with both sunshine and clouds. It is so common that it has become a bit of a cliché in German culture, symbolizing a balanced or 'mixed bag' situation.

heiter bis wolkig: A standard meteorological phrase meaning 'partly cloudy' or 'fair to cloudy'.

Die Prognose für morgen: heiter bis wolkig bei milden Temperaturen.

On the opposite side, antonyms like wolkenlos (cloudless), sonnig (sonnig), and klar (clear) help define wolkig by contrast. A klarer Himmel is the direct opposite of a wolkiger Himmel.

Nach einer wolkigen Nacht ist der Himmel jetzt wieder völlig wolkenlos.

Es ist wolkig, aber die Wolken sind sehr hoch und weiß.

Ein wolkiger Tag ist ideal für Fotografen, da das Licht weicher ist.

By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your German to the specific situation, whether you are writing a poem, giving a weather report, or just complaining about the gray sky to a friend.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The English word 'cloud' originally meant 'rock' or 'hill', while the German 'Wolke' has always been related to the sky and moisture. The English 'welkin' is a true cognate of 'Wolke'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈvɔlkɪç/

US /ˈvɔlkɪk/

The stress is on the first syllable: WOL-kig.

Rima con

borkig korkig molkig storkig torkig ulking knollig mollig

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'w' like an English 'w' (it should be a 'v' sound).
Pronouncing the 'ig' as a hard 'ig' like in 'pig'.
Making the 'o' too long (it should be short like in 'hot').
Forgetting to aspirate the 'k' slightly.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its similarity to the noun 'Wolke'.

Escritura 2/5

Requires attention to adjective endings when used before a noun.

Expresión oral 2/5

The '-ig' pronunciation can be tricky for beginners to master.

Escucha 1/5

Clear and common word in weather reports.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

die Wolke das Wetter ist der Himmel blau

Aprende después

bewölkt bedeckt der Regen die Sonne heiter

Avanzado

meteorologisch die Kumuluswolke die Stratuswolke die Wetterfront die Bewölkungsdichte

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Declension

Ein wolkigER Tag (masculine nominative).

Comparison of Adjectives

wolkig -> wolkiger -> am wolkigsten.

The Suffix -ig

Noun + -ig = Adjective (Wolke -> wolkig, Sonne -> sonnig).

Impersonal 'Es'

Es ist wolkig (used for weather expressions).

Pronunciation of final -ig

/ɪç/ in Standard German.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Heute ist es wolkig.

Today it is cloudy.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Ist es wolkig?

Is it cloudy?

Question form with verb at the beginning.

Es ist nicht wolkig, es ist sonnig.

It is not cloudy, it is sunny.

Negation using 'nicht'.

Morgen wird es wolkig.

Tomorrow it will be cloudy.

Future tense using 'wird'.

Gestern war es wolkig.

Yesterday it was cloudy.

Simple past tense of 'sein' (war).

Der Himmel ist wolkig.

The sky is cloudy.

Using 'der Himmel' as the subject.

Es ist oft wolkig in Berlin.

It is often cloudy in Berlin.

Use of the frequency adverb 'oft'.

Ich mag wolkiges Wetter.

I like cloudy weather.

Attributive adjective with accusative ending '-es'.

Heute ist es viel wolkiger als gestern.

Today it is much cloudier than yesterday.

Comparative form 'wolkiger'.

An einem wolkigen Tag bleibe ich gerne zu Hause.

On a cloudy day, I like to stay at home.

Dative case ending '-en' after 'an einem'.

Es ist nur leicht wolkig, die Sonne kommt bald.

It is only slightly cloudy, the sun is coming soon.

Use of the adverb 'leicht' to modify the adjective.

Warum ist es heute so wolkig?

Why is it so cloudy today?

Question with 'warum' and the intensifying adverb 'so'.

Das Wetter bleibt am Wochenende wolkig.

The weather will stay cloudy over the weekend.

Using 'bleiben' (to stay/remain) as the verb.

Ein wolkiger Himmel ist gut für Fotos.

A cloudy sky is good for photos.

Nominative masculine ending '-er'.

In den Bergen ist es oft wolkiger als im Tal.

In the mountains, it is often cloudier than in the valley.

Comparative construction 'wolkiger als'.

Es sieht wolkig aus, nimm einen Regenschirm mit.

It looks cloudy, take an umbrella with you.

Using 'aussehen' (to look/appear).

Obwohl es wolkig war, haben wir ein Picknick gemacht.

Although it was cloudy, we had a picnic.

Subordinate clause starting with 'obwohl'.

Der Wetterbericht sagt, dass es am Nachmittag wolkig wird.

The weather report says that it will become cloudy in the afternoon.

Indirect speech with 'dass' and future meaning.

Die Aussichten für morgen sind heiter bis wolkig.

The outlook for tomorrow is fair to cloudy.

Standard meteorological phrase 'heiter bis wolkig'.

Bei wolkigem Wetter ist das Licht viel weicher.

In cloudy weather, the light is much softer.

Dative neuter ending '-em' after 'bei'.

Der Apfelsaft sieht ein bisschen wolkig aus.

The apple juice looks a bit cloudy.

Metaphorical/visual use describing a liquid.

Es war so wolkig, dass man die Sterne nicht sehen konnte.

It was so cloudy that you couldn't see the stars.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Wir hoffen, dass es am Samstag nicht zu wolkig ist.

We hope that it isn't too cloudy on Saturday.

Verb 'hoffen' followed by a 'dass' clause.

Trotz des wolkigen Himmels war es sehr warm.

Despite the cloudy sky, it was very warm.

Genitive case ending '-en' after 'trotz des'.

Die wolkigen Abschnitte werden im Laufe des Tages zunehmen.

The cloudy periods will increase during the course of the day.

Plural attributive adjective 'wolkigen'.

Es bleibt wechselnd wolkig mit vereinzelten Aufheiterungen.

It remains partly cloudy with occasional sunny spells.

Advanced weather terminology 'wechselnd wolkig'.

Das Bier hat eine wolkige Trübung, was völlig normal ist.

The beer has a cloudy haze, which is completely normal.

Technical use describing beer sediment.

Wenn es wolkig bleibt, sinken die Temperaturen heute Nacht nicht so stark.

If it stays cloudy, the temperatures won't drop as much tonight.

Conditional clause with 'wenn'.

Die Landschaft wirkte unter dem wolkigen Himmel fast surreal.

The landscape seemed almost surreal under the cloudy sky.

Descriptive literary style.

Man erkennt die wolkige Struktur des Steins erst unter dem Mikroskop.

You can only see the cloudy structure of the stone under a microscope.

Scientific/descriptive context.

Je wolkiger es wird, desto schwieriger wird die Orientierung.

The cloudier it gets, the more difficult orientation becomes.

Comparative 'je... desto' construction.

Die Prognose war leider falsch; es war viel wolkiger als angekündigt.

The forecast was unfortunately wrong; it was much cloudier than announced.

Comparison with 'als angekündigt'.

Die wolkige Atmosphäre des Gemäldes unterstreicht die Melancholie des Motivs.

The cloudy atmosphere of the painting emphasizes the melancholy of the subject.

Artistic/literary analysis context.

Trotz der wolkigen Aussichten für die Wirtschaft bleiben die Investoren ruhig.

Despite the cloudy outlook for the economy, investors remain calm.

Metaphorical use in a financial/formal context.

Die chemische Lösung wurde nach der Zugabe des Reagenzes sofort wolkig.

The chemical solution immediately became cloudy after adding the reagent.

Scientific/technical description.

Der Bergsteiger wartete geduldig, bis der wolkige Gipfel endlich frei wurde.

The mountaineer waited patiently until the cloudy peak finally became clear.

Narrative style with attributive adjective.

In seiner Lyrik nutzt er das Wort 'wolkig' oft als Metapher für Unentschlossenheit.

In his poetry, he often uses the word 'wolkig' as a metaphor for indecision.

Literary theory context.

Die wolkige Beschaffenheit der Hornhaut deutet auf eine Erkrankung hin.

The cloudy nature of the cornea suggests a disease.

Medical terminology.

Es ist ein wolkiger, fast schon gespenstischer Vormittag an der Küste.

It is a cloudy, almost ghostly morning on the coast.

Evocative descriptive language.

Die Verhandlungen blieben wolkig, ohne dass konkrete Ergebnisse erzielt wurden.

The negotiations remained cloudy, without any concrete results being achieved.

Metaphorical use in professional context.

Die wolkigen Gebilde am Firmament erinnerten an barocke Deckengemälde.

The cloudy formations in the firmament were reminiscent of Baroque ceiling paintings.

Highly sophisticated vocabulary ('Firmament').

In der philosophischen Abhandlung wird die 'wolkige Erkenntnis' als Vorstufe zur Klarheit definiert.

In the philosophical treatise, 'cloudy cognition' is defined as a preliminary stage to clarity.

Abstract academic use.

Die wolkige Opaleszenz des Glases ist ein Resultat jahrhundertealter Handwerkskunst.

The cloudy opalescence of the glass is a result of centuries-old craftsmanship.

Expert-level descriptive terminology.

Sollte es wolkig bleiben, so entzieht sich der Komet unseren Blicken.

Should it remain cloudy, the comet will elude our gaze.

Formal conditional structure with 'so'.

Das wolkige Pathos seiner Rede wurde von den Kritikern zwiespältig aufgenommen.

The cloudy pathos of his speech was received ambivalently by critics.

Rhetorical/literary criticism.

Die wolkige Textur der Sauce Hollandaise ist das Markenzeichen dieses Kochs.

The cloudy (light/airy) texture of the hollandaise sauce is this chef's trademark.

Culinary expertise context.

Die wolkigen Nuancen des Marmors verleihen der Halle eine kühle Eleganz.

The cloudy nuances of the marble give the hall a cool elegance.

Architectural/aesthetic description.

Es ist eine wolkige, fast schon transzendente Stille, die über dem See liegt.

It is a cloudy, almost transcendent silence that lies over the lake.

Existential/poetic expression.

Colocaciones comunes

leicht wolkig

stark wolkig

wechselnd wolkig

meist wolkig

wolkiger Himmel

wolkiges Wetter

wolkige Aussichten

wolkige Struktur

wolkige Trübung

wolkiger Vormittag

Frases Comunes

Heiter bis wolkig.

— Fair to cloudy. A standard weather forecast phrase.

Das Wetter am Wochenende: heiter bis wolkig.

Es zieht wolkig auf.

— It's clouding over. Used when clouds are moving in.

Wir sollten gehen, es zieht wolkig auf.

Ein wolkiger Tag.

— A cloudy day. Simple description of a day.

Ein wolkiger Tag ist gut zum Wandern.

Wolkig mit Aussicht auf Fleischbällchen.

— Cloudy with a chance of meatballs. The German title of the famous movie.

Hast du den Film 'Wolkig mit Aussicht auf Fleischbällchen' gesehen?

Meistens wolkig.

— Mostly cloudy. Common in weather apps.

In Berlin ist es heute meistens wolkig.

Leicht wolkig.

— Slightly cloudy. Describes few clouds.

Der Morgen beginnt leicht wolkig.

Zunehmend wolkig.

— Increasingly cloudy. Used for changing conditions.

Am Abend wird es zunehmend wolkig.

Wolkig bleiben.

— To remain cloudy. Used for stable weather.

Es wird den ganzen Tag wolkig bleiben.

Wolkig werden.

— To become cloudy. Describes a change.

Es wird langsam wolkig.

Wolkige Abschnitte.

— Cloudy periods/intervals. Used in forecasts.

Es gibt heute längere wolkige Abschnitte.

Se confunde a menudo con

wolkig vs bewölkt

Often interchangeable, but 'bewölkt' is more formal and implies more clouds.

wolkig vs neblig

Foggy (ground level) vs. cloudy (sky level).

wolkig vs trüb

Gloomy/murky, focuses on the mood or lack of light.

Modismos y expresiones

"Heiter bis wolkig."

— Used to describe a mixed mood or a situation that has both good and bad aspects.

Wie war dein Urlaub? - Ach, heiter bis wolkig.

informal

"In den Wolken schweben."

— To have one's head in the clouds (related to 'Wolke', not directly 'wolkig').

Er schwebt seit der Verlobung nur noch in den Wolken.

informal

"Aus allen Wolken fallen."

— To be completely surprised or shocked.

Als ich den Preis hörte, fiel ich aus allen Wolken.

informal

"Auf Wolke sieben sein."

— To be on cloud nine (extremely happy).

Sie ist frisch verliebt und auf Wolke sieben.

informal

"Eine wolkige Sprache."

— Vague or imprecise language (rare, usually 'schwammig').

Der Politiker nutzte eine sehr wolkige Sprache.

formal

"Wolkige Versprechungen."

— Vague promises that lack substance.

Ich brauche Fakten, keine wolkigen Versprechungen.

formal

"Wolkiges Gemüt."

— A gloomy or somber disposition (rare/poetic).

Er hatte an diesem Morgen ein wolkiges Gemüt.

literary

"Dunkle Wolken ziehen auf."

— Trouble is brewing (metaphorical).

Über der Firma ziehen dunkle Wolken auf.

neutral

"Wolkenkuckucksheim."

— Cloud-cuckoo-land (an unrealistic dream world).

Hör auf, in deinem Wolkenkuckucksheim zu leben.

informal

"Wolkig im Kopf."

— Feeling lightheaded or confused (informal).

Nach der Narkose war ich noch etwas wolkig im Kopf.

slang

Fácil de confundir

wolkig vs bewölkt

Similar meaning and root.

'Wolkig' is the general adjective, 'bewölkt' is often used as a past participle/adjective meaning 'covered in clouds'.

Es ist wolkig. / Der Himmel ist bewölkt.

wolkig vs bedeckt

Both describe clouds.

'Bedeckt' means 100% cloud cover (overcast), 'wolkig' can be just a few clouds.

Der Himmel ist heute völlig bedeckt.

wolkig vs neblig

Both reduce visibility.

'Neblig' is fog at ground level; 'wolkig' is clouds in the sky.

Auf der Autobahn war es extrem neblig.

wolkig vs dunstig

Both describe a lack of clarity in the sky.

'Dunstig' is hazy/misty, often due to humidity or pollution, not distinct clouds.

Es ist ein dunstiger Sommertag.

wolkig vs trüb

Both describe non-clear states.

'Trüb' is more about the quality of light or liquid (murky), 'wolkig' is about the presence of clouds.

Das Wasser im See ist trüb.

Patrones de oraciones

Es ist [Adjektiv].

Es ist wolkig.

Heute ist es [Komparativ] als gestern.

Heute ist es wolkiger als gestern.

Obwohl es [Adjektiv] ist, [Hauptsatz].

Obwohl es wolkig ist, gehen wir raus.

Ein [dekliniertes Adjektiv] [Nomen].

Ein wolkiger Nachmittag.

Der Wetterbericht sagt, dass es [Adjektiv] wird.

Der Wetterbericht sagt, dass es wolkig wird.

Es bleibt [Adverb] wolkig.

Es bleibt wechselnd wolkig.

Trotz des [deklinierten Adjektivs] [Nomens]...

Trotz des wolkigen Himmels...

Die [Adjektiv] [Nomen] erinnert an...

Die wolkige Struktur erinnert an Marmor.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

die Wolke (the cloud)

die Bewölkung (the cloud cover)

das Gewölk (mass of clouds)

der Wolkenbruch (cloudburst/downpour)

Verbos

bewölken (to cloud over)

entwolken (to clear of clouds)

Adjetivos

bewölkt (cloudy/overcast)

wolkenlos (cloudless)

wolkenreich (cloudy/rich in clouds)

wolkig (cloudy)

Relacionado

Himmel

Wetter

Sonne

Regen

Luft

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high, especially in autumn and spring.

Errores comunes

Es ist wolke. → Es ist wolkig.
You must use the adjective form 'wolkig', not the noun 'Wolke' (cloud).
Meine Gedanken sind wolkig. → Meine Gedanken sind unklar.
'Wolkig' is rarely used for mental states in German; use 'unklar' or 'verwirrt'.
Ein wolkig Tag. → Ein wolkiger Tag.
Adjectives before nouns need an ending based on gender and case.
Es ist wolkig auf der Straße (meaning fog). → Es ist neblig auf der Straße.
Clouds are in the sky; fog at ground level is 'neblig'.
Pronouncing 'wolkig' with a hard English 'G'. → Pronouncing it with a soft /ç/ sound.
The '-ig' ending follows the ich-Laut rule in Standard German.

Consejos

Adjective Endings

Always check the gender of the noun following 'wolkig'. It's 'der Himmel', so it's 'ein wolkiger Himmel'. It's 'das Wetter', so 'wolkiges Wetter'.

The Soft 'ch'

Practice the /ç/ sound at the end of 'wolkig'. It's the same sound as in 'ich' or 'Licht'. Don't say 'wolk-ig' with a hard G.

Beyond Weather

Use 'wolkig' to describe 'naturtrüb' (naturally cloudy) drinks like Hefeweizen or unfiltered apple juice to sound like a foodie.

Small Talk

In Germany, complaining about 'wolkiges Wetter' is a national pastime. Use it to start a conversation with a neighbor!

Weather Apps

Change your phone's language to German. You will see 'wolkig' almost every day on your weather widget!

Be Precise

Instead of just 'wolkig', use 'leicht wolkig' or 'stark wolkig' to show off your vocabulary range.

Wolkig vs. Bedeckt

If you can still see a bit of blue, use 'wolkig'. If the sky is a solid gray sheet, use 'bedeckt'.

Root Word

Remember 'die Wolke' (the cloud). If you know the noun, the adjective 'wolkig' is easy to remember.

Icebreakers

A simple 'Ganz schön wolkig heute, was?' is a perfect, non-controversial way to be polite.

Poetic Use

In creative writing, 'wolkig' can describe the soft, diffused light that makes colors look different.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'VOLKS-wagen' driving through 'WOLK-ig' weather. Both start with a 'v' sound and are classic German things.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant white fluffy 'W' (for wolkig) floating in a gray sky like a cloud.

Word Web

Himmel Grau Regen Schatten Kühl Weich Naturtrüb Wetterbericht

Desafío

Try to describe the sky every morning for a week using 'wolkig', 'leicht wolkig', or 'stark wolkig'. Write it down in a weather diary.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'wolkig' stems from the Old High German 'wolka', which meant 'cloud' or 'mist'. It is related to the Old Saxon 'wolkan' and the Old English 'wolcen' (from which the archaic English word 'welkin', meaning sky, is derived). The suffix '-ig' was added later to create the adjective form.

Significado original: The original root referred to something moist, damp, or misty, reflecting the nature of clouds as condensed water vapor.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; weather is a safe and universal topic.

English speakers might find the distinction between 'wolkig' and 'bewölkt' confusing, as 'cloudy' covers both. English also uses 'cloudy' more for emotions/confusion than German does.

Wolkig mit Aussicht auf Fleischbällchen (Movie title) Heiter bis wolkig (German punk/cabaret band) Numerous poems by Goethe and Schiller describing the 'wolkiger Himmel'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Weather Forecast

Es bleibt wolkig.
Zunehmend wolkig.
Heiter bis wolkig.
Stark wolkig im Norden.

Photography

Wolkiger Himmel ist ideal.
Das Licht ist wolkig gedämpft.
Warten auf eine wolkige Lücke.
Zu wolkig für Sternenfotos.

Hiking/Outdoors

Gut, dass es wolkig ist.
Es zieht wolkig zu.
Wolkig, aber warm.
Hoffentlich bleibt es nur wolkig.

Culinary/Drinks

Wolkiger Apfelsaft.
Das Bier ist wolkig.
Eine wolkige Konsistenz.
Wolkige Trübstoffe.

Small Talk

Ganz schön wolkig heute.
Wolkig, wie immer.
Besser wolkig als Regen.
Wird es noch wolkiger?

Inicios de conversación

"Glaubst du, es bleibt heute den ganzen Tag wolkig?"

"Findest du wolkiges Wetter auch besser zum Wandern als pure Sonne?"

"Hast du den Wetterbericht gesehen? Soll es morgen wieder wolkig werden?"

"Magst du lieber einen klaren blauen Himmel oder einen wolkigen?"

"Es ist heute so wolkig, dass man die Berge gar nicht sehen kann, oder?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe einen wolkigen Tag in deiner Stadt. Wie fühlst du dich dabei?

Was machst du am liebsten, wenn es draußen wolkig und kühl ist?

Erinnere dich an einen Urlaub, an dem es nur wolkig war. War es trotzdem schön?

Schreibe ein kurzes Gedicht über einen wolkigen Himmel im Herbst.

Warum ist das Wetter (wolkig, sonnig, regnerisch) so ein wichtiges Thema für Menschen?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

While both mean 'cloudy', 'wolkig' is more common in casual speech and describes the general state of having clouds. 'Bewölkt' is slightly more formal and is the technical term used in weather reports to describe the degree of cloud cover (e.g., 'stark bewölkt').

In Standard German (Hochdeutsch), the '-ig' ending is pronounced like the 'ch' in 'ich' (/ç/). It sounds like 'wolk-ich'. In Southern Germany or Austria, you might hear a hard 'k' or 'g' sound, but /ç/ is the standard for learners.

No, that is an English idiom. In German, if you are confused, you say 'Ich bin verwirrt' or 'Das ist mir unklar'. Using 'wolkig' for mental states sounds very strange to native speakers.

It is mostly neutral. However, in a country like Germany where people love the sun, it can have a slightly negative connotation in summer. In the context of 'naturtrüber' juice, it is positive.

It literally means 'fair to cloudy'. It's a standard weather forecast term for a day with mixed sun and clouds. Culturally, it's also used to describe a 'mixed' situation.

You can say 'leicht wolkig' (slightly cloudy) or 'wechselnd wolkig' (intermittently cloudy). 'Teilweise bewölkt' is also used in formal forecasts.

Yes, if it's used before a noun. For example: 'ein wolkiger Tag' (masculine), 'eine wolkige Nacht' (feminine), 'ein wolkiges Wetter' (neuter).

The most direct opposites are 'wolkenlos' (cloudless) and 'sonnig' (sunny). 'Klar' (clear) is also used for the sky at night.

Yes, like unfiltered apple juice or a chemical mixture. It means the liquid is not clear and has cloud-like swirls or opacity.

The word is used everywhere, but since northern Germany (near the sea) is often cloudier than the south, you might hear it more frequently there!

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