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A2 adjective 10 min de lecture

sportlich

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces sportlich en 30 secondes

Explication sportlich in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'sportlich' is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe yourself and others. You use it in very simple sentences with the verb 'sein' (to be). For example, 'Ich bin sportlich' (I am sporty) or 'Bist du sportlich?' (Are you sporty?). At this stage, you don't need to worry too much about complex adjective endings; focus on the predicative use where the word doesn't change. You will also see it in basic descriptions of hobbies. If you like football or swimming, you are 'sportlich.' It is a positive word to use when meeting new people in a German class. You might also learn its opposite, 'unsportlich' (not sporty/lazy), to create a contrast. The focus is on basic identity and physical activity. You should be able to recognize the word in a short text about a person's life or daily routine. Remember that the 'ch' at the end sounds like a soft 'hiss,' not a 'k.' This will help you sound more like a native speaker from the very beginning.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'sportlich' with adjective endings and in comparisons. You will learn to say things like 'Mein Bruder ist sportlicher als ich' (My brother is sportier than I am) or 'Das ist ein sportliches Auto' (That is a sporty car). You start to see the word in more contexts, such as describing clothing ('sportliche Kleidung') or a person's general appearance. You are expected to know how to decline the word in the nominative and accusative cases. For instance, 'Ich trage heute eine sportliche Hose.' You also begin to understand that 'sportlich' can describe an attitude, not just a physical ability. If someone is a 'fair player,' they are 'sportlich.' This level focuses on expanding your descriptive capabilities and using the word to provide more detail in your spoken and written German. You might encounter it in brochures for holiday destinations that offer 'sportliche Aktivitäten' like hiking or cycling. It is a key word for describing your lifestyle in more depth.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'sportlich' in all cases and with all types of nouns. You also start to use the word in more idiomatic or professional ways. You will encounter the 'ambitious' meaning of 'sportlich' in work-related texts. For example, a 'sportlicher Zeitplan' (an ambitious schedule). You should be able to discuss the benefits of a 'sportlicher Lebensstil' (a sporty lifestyle) and use the word to describe character traits like 'sportliche Fairness.' You will also learn related words like 'Leistungssport' (competitive sport) or 'Breitensport' (recreational sport) and how 'sportlich' relates to them. At this level, you can use the word to describe abstract concepts. For instance, 'Das ist eine sportliche Aufgabe' (That is a challenging task). Your ability to use 'sportlich' as an adverb also improves: 'Er hat die Situation sportlich gelöst' (He handled the situation in a sporty/fair way). You are moving beyond simple descriptions into nuanced communication about behavior and professional challenges.

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At the B2 level, you understand the subtle differences between 'sportlich,' 'athletisch,' and 'fit.' You can use 'sportlich' to describe complex social behaviors and corporate strategies. You might read articles about 'sportliche Betätigung' (athletic activity) in the context of public health or urban planning. You are expected to use the word in debates, perhaps arguing whether a certain political move was 'sportlich' (fair/gracious) or not. The word becomes a tool for expressing shades of meaning regarding integrity and ambition. You also recognize the word in more sophisticated literature or high-level journalism, where it might describe the 'sportliche Eleganz' of an architectural design or the 'sportliche Dynamik' of a market trend. Your use of the superlative 'am sportlichsten' and comparative 'sportlicher' should be flawless, even in complex sentences with subordinate clauses. You understand that in a professional context, being 'sportlich' often means being resilient and ready for a challenge.

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At the C1 level, 'sportlich' is used with high precision in both formal and informal registers. You can analyze the cultural significance of 'Sportlichkeit' (sportiness/fairness) in German society. You might use the word in an academic essay to describe the 'sportliche Komponente' of a psychological study on competition. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its roots in physical education to its modern, multifaceted usage. You can use it sarcastically or ironically, for instance, to describe a task that is clearly impossible as 'äußerst sportlich.' You are also aware of how the word is used in specialized fields like automotive engineering or high-fashion critiques. Your vocabulary is broad enough that you can choose 'sportlich' over synonyms like 'fair' or 'aktiv' to hit a specific tone of 'dynamic integrity.' You can participate in complex discussions about whether professional sports are still 'sportlich' in the sense of fair play, or if they have become purely commercial.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'sportlich' and its various connotations. You can use it to describe the 'sportliche Ästhetik' of a piece of art or the 'sportliche Haltung' of a philosopher towards life's challenges. You are comfortable with the word in its most abstract forms, perhaps discussing the 'sportliche Herausforderung' of translating a difficult poem. You can pick up on the most subtle nuances in a speaker's voice that might change the meaning of 'sportlich' from a compliment to a critique of over-ambition. You are familiar with the word's appearance in legal or highly formal documents regarding 'sportliches Verhalten' in professional associations. Your usage is effortless, and you can play with the word's meanings in creative writing or sophisticated oratory. You understand the word not just as a label, but as a reflection of a core value system in the German-speaking world, involving the balance between physical vigor, competitive drive, and ethical fairness.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

sportlich en 30 secondes

Sportlich primarily describes a person who is physically active, fit, and enjoys engaging in various sports and exercises regularly.
It also refers to a fair and honest attitude, especially when dealing with competition, setbacks, or professional challenges.
In fashion and design, it describes a style that is casual, functional, dynamic, and modern, rather than formal or stiff.
Colloquially, it can mean 'ambitious' or 'tight,' particularly when describing schedules, deadlines, or difficult goals in a workplace setting.

The German adjective sportlich is a versatile term that extends far beyond a simple description of someone who goes to the gym. At its core, it translates to 'sporty' or 'athletic' in English, but its semantic range encompasses physical appearance, personal lifestyle choices, behavioral ethics, and even aesthetic style. Understanding sportlich requires looking at the German cultural appreciation for 'Vereinskultur' (club culture) and 'Fitness.' When you call someone sportlich, you might be complimenting their physical fitness, their dedication to a discipline, or their fair-minded approach to a difficult situation.

Physical Capability: This is the most common usage. It describes a person who is fit, active, and regularly engages in physical exercise. It implies a certain level of agility and strength. For example, a person who hikes every weekend and cycles to work is described as sportlich.

Mein Bruder ist extrem sportlich; er läuft jeden Morgen zehn Kilometer.

Ethical Behavior: In a metaphorical sense, sportlich refers to 'sportsmanship.' If someone loses a competition or a business deal but remains fair and gracious, Germans call this sportliches Verhalten. It suggests a character that values the rules of the game over the ego of winning.

Furthermore, the word is heavily used in the fashion industry. A sportlicher Schnitt (sporty cut) refers to clothing that is casual, comfortable, and perhaps functional, rather than formal or restrictive. It is the antithesis of 'elegant' or 'spießig' (stuffy/bourgeois). When a car is described as sportlich, it refers to its performance, handling, and sleek design. The word permeates German life from the soccer field to the boardroom, representing a blend of vitality and integrity. Whether you are describing a person's physique, their outfit, or their reaction to a setback, sportlich is your go-to adjective for anything that embodies the dynamic and fair spirit of sport. It is a highly positive attribute in German society, where health and active hobbies are deeply valued components of a balanced life.

Sie hat die Niederlage sehr sportlich hingenommen und dem Gewinner gratuliert.

Aesthetic and Design: When applied to objects, it suggests speed, modern lines, and functionality. A sportliche Uhr isn't just for timing laps; it looks rugged and ready for adventure.

Using sportlich correctly involves understanding its role as both an attributive adjective (before a noun) and a predicative adjective (after a verb like 'sein'). Because it is a standard adjective, it must decline based on the gender, case, and number of the noun it modifies. This section explores the grammatical nuances and common syntactic patterns you will encounter in everyday German.

Attributive Use (Before the Noun): When placed before a noun, sportlich takes endings. For example: 'Ein sportlicher Mann' (A sporty man - Nominative Masculine), 'Eine sportliche Frau' (A sporty woman - Nominative Feminine), or 'Das sportliche Auto' (The sporty car - Nominative Neuter). Mastery of these endings is crucial for A2 and B1 learners.

Wir suchen eine sportliche Herausforderung für das Wochenende.

Predicative Use (After the Verb): In sentences like 'Er ist sportlich' or 'Sie sieht sportlich aus,' the adjective does not change its ending. This is the simplest way to use the word and is perfect for beginners. It describes the state or appearance of the subject directly.

Comparative and Superlative forms are also frequent. If someone is more athletic than another, they are sportlicher. The most athletic person is am sportlichsten. These forms are essential when discussing team dynamics or fitness goals. For instance, 'In unserer Familie ist meine Schwester am sportlichsten.' Furthermore, sportlich is often paired with intensifying adverbs like 'sehr' (very), 'extrem' (extremely), or 'wirklich' (really) to emphasize the degree of athleticism or fairness.

Das Ziel, den Marathon in drei Stunden zu laufen, ist ziemlich sportlich.

Colloquial Usage: 'Sportlich' as 'Ambitious': In modern German office slang, sportlich is often used to describe a tight deadline or an ambitious goal. If a boss says, 'Wir müssen das Projekt bis morgen abschließen,' a colleague might reply, 'Das ist aber ein sportlicher Zeitplan!' (That's a very ambitious/tight schedule!).

You will encounter sportlich in almost every facet of German daily life. Germany is a country that prides itself on its 'Feierabend' (after-work time), which often involves physical activity. Consequently, the word is a staple in social conversations, media, and advertisements. Whether you are watching the 'Tagesschau' news, browsing a clothing catalog, or chatting with colleagues at the 'Kaffeemaschine,' sportlich will likely make an appearance.

In the Media and News: Sports commentators use it constantly to describe players' styles or the fairness of a match. You might hear: 'Es war ein sportlich fairer Wettkampf' (It was a sportingly fair competition). It is also used in political commentary to describe 'sportliche' (ambitious) policy goals or a 'sportliche' (vigorous) debate.

Die Presse lobte die sportliche Leistung der Nationalmannschaft.

In Fashion and Advertising: Advertisements for cars, watches, and clothing rely heavily on the word. A 'sportliche Limousine' suggests a car that is both practical and fast. In fashion, 'sportliche Eleganz' (sporty elegance) is a very popular style in Germany, combining high-quality materials with comfortable, active-ready designs.

In social circles, asking 'Bist du sportlich?' is a common way to find out if someone shares your interests in hiking, swimming, or joining a gym. It is a 'Kennenlern-Frage' (getting-to-know-you question). Furthermore, in schools, the subject 'Sport' (PE) is where children first learn the value of being sportlich, not just in terms of winning, but in terms of participation and effort. The word is also used to describe a person's build. Someone with broad shoulders and a lean frame might be described as having a 'sportliche Figur,' even if they don't play a specific sport. This broad usage makes it one of the most useful adjectives to master early in your German learning journey.

Für die Wanderung brauchen wir sportliche Kleidung und gute Schuhe.

At the Workplace: As mentioned, 'sportlich' describes ambitious targets. If a project manager sets a 'sportliches Ziel,' they are acknowledging that the goal is difficult but achievable with high effort, much like an athletic feat.

While sportlich seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble over its specific German nuances or confuse it with related terms. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your German sound more natural and precise. The most common errors involve the distinction between being 'athletic' as a physical trait versus being 'sporty' as a lifestyle choice, and the specific use of the word in non-physical contexts.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Sportlich' with 'Athletisch': In English, 'athletic' often refers to a professional or high-level capability. In German, athletisch is used more specifically for a muscular, powerful body type (an 'athletic build'). Sportlich is much broader and refers to anyone who enjoys movement. Calling a casual jogger 'athletisch' might sound like an exaggeration, while 'sportlich' is perfect.

Falsch: Er ist so athletisch, er geht einmal pro Woche spazieren. (Too strong). Richtig: Er ist sportlich.

Mistake 2: Overusing 'Sportiv': Learners sometimes find the word 'sportiv' in dictionaries and think it's interchangeable with sportlich. However, 'sportiv' is almost exclusively used in the fashion industry to describe a style of clothing. You would never say 'Mein Freund ist sehr sportiv' to describe his fitness; you must use sportlich.

Another mistake is failing to recognize the 'fairness' aspect of the word. English speakers might look for a word like 'fair' (which does exist in German as 'fair') and miss the opportunity to use sportlich. In many contexts, sportlich sounds more 'German' when describing a gracious loser. Finally, be careful with the 'ambitious' meaning in business. If you call a person 'sportlich' in a meeting, you are usually praising their fitness; if you call a 'deadline' 'sportlich,' you are commenting on the difficulty of the task. Mixing these up can lead to funny misunderstandings about whether you're complimenting someone's muscles or complaining about their scheduling!

Das ist ein sportliches Angebot. (Does not mean the offer likes to run; it means it's a fair or challenging offer).

Mistake 3: Pronunciation of the '-ich' ending: The '-ich' at the end of sportlich should be the 'Ich-Laut' (like a soft hiss), not a hard 'k' sound. Saying 'sport-lik' is a common pronunciation error for English speakers.

To truly enrich your German vocabulary, you should know the synonyms and related terms that can replace or refine sportlich depending on the context. German offers a rich palette of words to describe physical states and attitudes. Using the right one shows a higher level of language proficiency and helps you avoid repetition.

Athletisch vs. Sportlich: Athletisch focuses on the physical build—muscles, low body fat, and power. Sportlich is more about the activity and the attitude. A skinny person who runs marathons is sportlich but perhaps not athletisch.
Aktiv vs. Sportlich: Aktiv (active) is a broader term. You can be 'aktiv' in a political party or 'aktiv' in the garden. Sportlich specifically implies sports or a sporty demeanor.
Fit vs. Sportlich: Fit is a direct loanword from English. It is very common in Germany. While sportlich describes a trait, fit often describes a current state of health and readiness. 'Ich fühle mich fit' (I feel fit/healthy).

Er ist nicht nur sportlich, sondern auch extrem durchtrainiert.

Other useful alternatives include durchtrainiert (well-trained/toned), which is a high compliment for someone with a visible gym physique. If you want to describe someone who is very fair, you can use fair or anständig (decent/proper). In the context of ambitious goals, you might use ehrgeizig (ambitious) or anspruchsvoll (demanding). For clothing, lässig (casual/cool) often overlaps with the 'sporty' look. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the 'Vibe' of your conversation perfectly.

Sein sportlicher Geist ist bewundernswert.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Before 'Sport' became the standard term, Germans used 'Leibesübungen' (body exercises). 'Sportlich' became a popular adjective as the British idea of organized athletics spread through Europe.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈʃpɔʁtlɪç/

US /ˈʃpɔrtˌlɪk/

The stress is on the first syllable: SPORT-lich.

Rime avec

wortreich vorbildlich menschlich ordentlich pünktlich sachlich wesentlich hoffentlich

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'sp' as 's' instead of 'sh'.
Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k' (sounding like 'sport-lik').
Over-pronouncing the 't' so it breaks the flow.
Missing the vowel quality in 'o'.
Stress on the second syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it resembles the English word 'sport'.

Écriture 3/5

Adjective endings can be tricky for beginners.

Expression orale 3/5

The 'ch' sound requires practice for non-native speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Clearly pronounced in most contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

der Sport machen sein fit aktiv

Apprends ensuite

athletisch durchtrainiert die Ausdauer der Wettbewerb die Fairness

Avancé

die Leistungsgesellschaft die Körperertüchtigung die Amortisation (in business contexts) die Agilität die Integrität

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Declension

Ein sportlicher (masc) Mann, eine sportliche (fem) Frau, ein sportliches (neu) Kind.

Comparison of Adjectives

sportlich -> sportlicher -> am sportlichsten.

Adverbial Usage

Er läuft sportlich (no ending when describing the verb).

Attributive vs Predicative

Das sportliche Auto (attributive) vs. Das Auto ist sportlich (predicative).

Negation with 'un-'

Er verhält sich unsportlich (He behaves unfairly/un-sportingly).

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Exemples par niveau

Ich bin sehr sportlich.

I am very sporty.

Predicative use, no ending.

Bist du sportlich?

Are you sporty?

Question form.

Er ist nicht sportlich.

He is not sporty.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Meine Mutter ist sportlich.

My mother is sporty.

Subject-verb agreement.

Wir machen viel Sport, wir sind sportlich.

We do a lot of sport, we are sporty.

Plural form.

Das Kind ist sportlich.

The child is sporty.

Neuter subject.

Sie sieht sportlich aus.

She looks sporty.

Separable verb 'aussehen'.

Bist du ein sportlicher Typ?

Are you a sporty guy/type?

Attributive use, masculine nominative ending -er.

Er trägt immer sportliche Kleidung.

He always wears sporty clothes.

Accusative feminine plural ending -e.

Mein Bruder ist sportlicher als ich.

My brother is sportier than I am.

Comparative form.

Das ist ein sehr sportliches Auto.

That is a very sporty car.

Nominative neuter ending -es.

Sie ist die sportlichste Frau in der Klasse.

She is the sportiest woman in the class.

Superlative form.

Ich suche einen sportlichen Schuh.

I am looking for a sporty shoe.

Accusative masculine ending -en.

Wir hatten ein sportliches Wochenende.

We had a sporty weekend.

Nominative/Accusative neuter ending -es.

Ist dein Vater noch sportlich?

Is your father still sporty?

Adverb 'noch' (still).

Sie hat eine sportliche Figur.

She has a sporty figure.

Accusative feminine ending -e.

Ein sportlicher Lebensstil ist gesund.

A sporty lifestyle is healthy.

Nominative masculine ending -er.

Das ist ein sportliches Ziel für dieses Jahr.

That is an ambitious/sporty goal for this year.

Metaphorical use for 'ambitious'.

Er verhält sich immer sehr sportlich.

He always behaves very sportingly.

Adverbial use (fairness).

Wir brauchen eine sportliche Lösung für das Problem.

We need a 'sporty' (pragmatic/fair) solution for the problem.

Abstract usage.

Trotz seines Alters ist er noch sehr sportlich.

Despite his age, he is still very sporty.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.

Die sportliche Leitung des Vereins hat gewechselt.

The sports management of the club has changed.

Compound context.

Ich mag seinen sportlichen Ehrgeiz.

I like his sporting ambition.

Accusative masculine ending -en.

Das Kleid ist elegant, aber auch sportlich.

The dress is elegant, but also sporty.

Contrast 'elegant' vs. 'sportlich'.

Der Zeitplan ist extrem sportlich kalkuliert.

The schedule is calculated extremely ambitiously/tightly.

Adverbial use in business.

Sie nahm die Niederlage sportlich hin.

She accepted the defeat sportingly/graciously.

Collocation 'sportlich hinnehmen'.

Wir schätzen sein sportliches Verhalten in Krisenzeiten.

We appreciate his sporting behavior in times of crisis.

Focus on integrity.

Die sportliche Betätigung fördert die Konzentration.

Physical activity promotes concentration.

Formal term 'Betätigung'.

Ein sportliches Design ist für diese Zielgruppe wichtig.

A sporty design is important for this target group.

Marketing context.

Er ist sportlich gesehen einer der Besten.

Sport-wise, he is one of the best.

Phrase 'sportlich gesehen'.

Das war eine wirklich sportliche Geste von dir.

That was a truly sporting gesture of yours.

Abstract compliment.

Wir müssen die sportliche Herausforderung annehmen.

We must accept the sporting challenge.

Noun-adjective pair.

Die sportliche Fairness darf nicht dem Kommerz geopfert werden.

Sporting fairness must not be sacrificed to commercialism.

Passive voice, high register.

Es ist eine sportliche Höchstleistung, dieses Projekt allein zu stemmen.

It is a peak athletic performance (metaphorical) to manage this project alone.

Metaphorical exaggeration.

Sein sportlicher Werdegang ist beeindruckend.

His sporting career/development is impressive.

Formal term 'Werdegang'.

Die Regierung verfolgt sportliche Ziele beim Klimaschutz.

The government is pursuing ambitious goals in climate protection.

Political use for 'ambitious'.

Die sportliche Ästhetik des Gebäudes fügt sich in die Landschaft ein.

The sporty aesthetic of the building blends into the landscape.

Architectural critique.

Man muss die Sache sportlich betrachten.

One must look at the matter from a sporting/objective perspective.

Idiomatic advice.

Trotz der Rivalität blieb der Umgang stets sportlich.

Despite the rivalry, the interaction remained sporting/fair.

Complex social context.

Die sportliche Leitung trägt die Verantwortung für das Ausscheiden.

The sports management bears responsibility for the elimination.

Institutional usage.

Die philosophische Dimension des sportlichen Wettkampfs wird oft verkannt.

The philosophical dimension of sporting competition is often misjudged.

Abstract academic context.

Ein sportlicher Geist ist die Voraussetzung für eine gesunde Demokratie.

A sporting spirit is the prerequisite for a healthy democracy.

Societal metaphor.

Die sportliche Agilität des Unternehmens ermöglichte die schnelle Marktanpassung.

The 'sporty' agility of the company enabled rapid market adaptation.

Business jargon for agility.

In der sportlichen Auseinandersetzung zeigt sich der wahre Charakter.

True character is revealed in sporting conflict.

Formal 'Auseinandersetzung'.

Die sportliche Eleganz seiner Prosa besticht durch ihre Klarheit.

The 'sporty' elegance of his prose impresses with its clarity.

Literary criticism.

Man darf den Begriff 'sportlich' hier nicht rein physisch interpretieren.

One must not interpret the term 'sporty' purely physically here.

Semantic analysis.

Die sportliche Integrität ist das höchste Gut des Wettbewerbs.

Sporting integrity is the highest good of competition.

Ethical statement.

Eine sportliche Haltung gegenüber dem Schicksal zeugt von Größe.

A sporting attitude toward fate shows greatness.

Existential usage.

Collocations courantes

sportliche Betätigung

sportliche Leistung

sportliches Verhalten

sportlicher Zeitplan

sportliche Kleidung

sportlicher Typ

sportliche Herausforderung

sportliches Design

sportliche Figur

sportliche Fairness

Phrases Courantes

etwas sportlich nehmen

— To take a setback or criticism with a positive and fair attitude.

Er hat die Absage sportlich genommen.

sportlich gesehen

— From an athletic or sporting perspective.

Sportlich gesehen war das Jahr ein Erfolg.

sehr sportlich sein

— To be very active or to have a very fair character.

Meine ganze Familie ist sehr sportlich.

sportlich aktiv sein

— To be currently engaged in sports.

Bist du in deiner Freizeit sportlich aktiv?

ein sportliches Ziel

— An ambitious or challenging goal.

Das ist ein sportliches Ziel für den ersten Monat.

sportlich fair

— Acting in accordance with the rules and spirit of the game.

Es war ein sportlich faires Duell.

sportlich unterwegs sein

— To be out doing sports or to be dressed sportily.

Am Wochenende sind wir meist sportlich unterwegs.

auf die sportliche Tour

— Doing something in a fair or straightforward way.

Wir klären das auf die sportliche Tour.

sportliche Eleganz

— A style that is both classy and casual.

Sie bevorzugt sportliche Eleganz.

sportliche Grüße

— A common closing for emails in a sports context.

Mit sportlichen Grüßen, Ihr Trainer.

Souvent confondu avec

sportlich vs athletisch

Athletisch implies a muscular body, while sportlich is more about being active.

sportlich vs sportiv

Sportiv is for fashion/style; sportlich is for people and behavior.

sportlich vs aktiv

Aktiv is broader; you can be active in a club without being 'sportlich'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Das ist sportlich!"

— That's ambitious! (Often said about a tight deadline).

Fertig in zwei Stunden? Das ist sportlich!

informal/business

"Sportlich, sportlich!"

— Used to express admiration for someone's fitness or a fair action.

Du bist die Treppen hochgerannt? Sportlich, sportlich!

informal

"Einen sportlichen Zahn zulegen"

— To speed up or increase effort (variation of 'einen Zahn zulegen').

Wir müssen jetzt einen sportlichen Zahn zulegen.

informal

"Sich sportlich verhalten"

— To show good sportsmanship.

Es ist wichtig, sich auch bei einer Niederlage sportlich zu verhalten.

neutral

"Sportliche Preise"

— High or 'vigorous' prices (sometimes used ironically).

Das sind aber ganz schön sportliche Preise hier.

informal

"Die sportliche Herausforderung suchen"

— To look for a way to test one's limits.

Er sucht immer die sportliche Herausforderung.

neutral

"Etwas mit sportlichem Ehrgeiz verfolgen"

— To pursue something with great ambition.

Sie verfolgt ihre Karriere mit sportlichem Ehrgeiz.

neutral

"Sportlich fair bleiben"

— To remain fair even when things get heated.

Trotz des Streits sollten wir sportlich fair bleiben.

neutral

"Ein sportlicher Geist"

— A person with a great attitude towards competition.

Er ist ein wahrer sportlicher Geist.

neutral

"Sportlich aussehen"

— To look fit or to be dressed casually.

In diesem Outfit siehst du sehr sportlich aus.

neutral

Facile à confondre

sportlich vs sportiv

Looks similar and has a related meaning.

Sportiv is used in fashion catalogs. Sportlich is used for people's abilities and behavior.

Die Jacke ist sportiv, aber der Träger ist nicht sportlich.

sportlich vs athletisch

Direct translation of 'athletic'.

Athletisch is more about the physical build (muscles). Sportlich is about the activity level.

Er ist sportlich (he runs), aber nicht athletisch (he has no big muscles).

sportlich vs fair

Both can mean 'fair'.

Fair is a general term. Sportlich specifically implies the 'spirit of the game'.

Das war ein sportliches Verhalten.

sportlich vs fit

Often used interchangeably in English.

Fit is a state of health. Sportlich is a lifestyle or character trait.

Ich bin heute nicht fit, obwohl ich eigentlich sportlich bin.

sportlich vs beweglich

Relates to movement.

Beweglich means 'flexible' or 'mobile'. Sportlich means 'athletic'.

Yoga macht einen beweglich, aber nicht unbedingt sportlich.

Structures de phrases

Ich bin [Adjektiv].

Ich bin sportlich.

Er ist [Komparativ] als [Name].

Er ist sportlicher als Max.

Das ist ein [Adjektiv + Endung] Ziel.

Das ist ein sportliches Ziel.

Etwas [Adverb] hinnehmen.

Sie hat die Nachricht sportlich hingenommen.

Die [Adjektiv + Endung] Leitung...

Die sportliche Leitung entschied...

In [Adjektiv + Endung] Hinsicht...

In sportlicher Hinsicht war es ein Desaster.

Ich trage [Adjektiv + Endung] Kleidung.

Ich trage sportliche Kleidung.

Sich [Adverb] verhalten.

Du solltest dich sportlich verhalten.

Famille de mots

Noms

der Sport

die Sportlichkeit

der Sportler

die Sportlerin

die Sportart

Verbes

sporteln (informal)

Sport treiben

Sport machen

Adjectifs

unsportlich

sportiv

sportbegeistert

Apparenté

die Fitness

das Training

der Wettkampf

die Fairness

der Verein

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily German.

Erreurs courantes

Ein sportlich Mann. → Ein sportlicher Mann.
Adjectives before masculine nouns in the nominative case need the -er ending.
Er ist sehr sportiv. → Er ist sehr sportlich.
'Sportiv' is for clothing styles, while 'sportlich' is for people.
Das ist ein sportlich Zeitplan. → Das ist ein sportlicher Zeitplan.
Missing the masculine adjective ending in the nominative case.
Sie ist sportlichste. → Sie ist die sportlichste.
Superlatives usually require a definite article.
Er spielt sportlich. → Er spielt fair / Er verhält sich sportlich.
While 'sportlich' can be an adverb, 'fair' is often more natural for the action of playing.

Astuces

Adjective Endings

Remember to add -er for masculine nominative (ein sportlicher Mann) and -es for neuter (ein sportliches Auto).

Fairness

Use 'sportlich' when someone handles a loss well. It sounds more native than just saying 'fair'.

The 'Ich' Sound

Practice the ending '-lich' by whispering a soft 'h' sound while keeping your tongue forward.

Deadlines

If a boss gives you a lot of work, say 'Das ist ein sportliches Ziel.' It sounds professional and positive.

Appearance

You can describe a person as 'sportlich' even if you don't know if they play sports, just based on their fit look.

Fashion

In a store, ask for 'etwas Sportliches' if you want something comfortable and not too formal.

More Sporty

Use 'sportlicher als' to compare two people. Example: 'Thomas ist sportlicher als Lukas.'

Admiration

Say 'Sportlich!' when someone does something impressive, like biking to work in the rain.

Email Closings

In a sports club context, 'Sportliche Grüße' is a perfect way to end an email.

Avoid Sportiv

Unless you are writing an ad for a clothing brand, stick to 'sportlich' for everyday descriptions.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Sport' car that is 'Lich'-t (light) and fast. A 'sport-lich' person is light on their feet!

Association visuelle

Imagine a person wearing sneakers (sportlich) shaking hands with an opponent (fair/sportlich) after a race.

Word Web

Sport Fairness Fitness Kleidung Auto Ziel Typ Ehrgeiz

Défi

Describe three people you know using 'sportlich' or 'unsportlich' and explain why in German.

Origine du mot

Derived from the noun 'Sport,' which was borrowed into German in the 19th century from the English word 'sport.'

Sens originel : The English 'sport' is a shortening of 'disport,' meaning 'diversion, recreation, or pastime.'

Germanic (borrowed from Old French 'desport').

Contexte culturel

None. It is a universally positive and safe word.

In English, we might say 'athletic' for the body and 'sporty' for the clothes. German uses 'sportlich' for both.

Adidas and Puma (German brands that embody 'sportlich'). The 'Deutsches Sportabzeichen' (a national fitness award). Steffi Graf and Boris Becker (icons of 'Sportlichkeit').

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Fitness and Health

Ich möchte sportlicher werden.
Sportliche Betätigung ist gesund.
Er ist sehr sportlich gebaut.
Bist du in einem Verein sportlich aktiv?

Fashion

Ich mag sportliche Mode.
Das Kleid sieht sportlich aus.
Wir brauchen sportliche Schuhe.
Sie trägt gerne sportliche Outfits.

Business/Work

Das ist ein sportlicher Termin.
Wir müssen das Ziel sportlich angehen.
Er hat die Kritik sportlich genommen.
Ein sportlicher Zeitplan ist nötig.

Competition/Sports

Bleib sportlich!
Das war ein sportliches Foul (ironic).
Wir schätzen sportliche Fairness.
Sie ist die sportlichste Spielerin.

Automotive/Design

Das Auto hat ein sportliches Fahrwerk.
Ich liebe sportliche Autos.
Das Design wirkt sehr sportlich.
Ein sportlicher Look ist modern.

Amorces de conversation

"Bist du eigentlich ein sportlicher Typ oder eher ein Couch-Potato?"

"Welche sportliche Aktivität macht dir im Sommer am meisten Spaß?"

"Findest du, dass professionelle Fußballspieler sich immer sportlich verhalten?"

"Was ist für dich die größte sportliche Herausforderung, die du je gemeistert hast?"

"Trägst du bei der Arbeit lieber elegante oder sportliche Kleidung?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du eine Niederlage sportlich hingenommen hast. Was hast du dabei gelernt?

Wie wichtig ist ein sportlicher Lebensstil für deine mentale Gesundheit? Erkläre deine Routine.

Wenn du ein sportliches Ziel für das nächste Jahr wählen müsstest, welches wäre das und warum?

Glaubst du, dass man 'Sportlichkeit' (im Sinne von Fairness) im Alltag lernen kann? Gib Beispiele.

Analysiere, warum 'sportliche Eleganz' in der deutschen Mode so beliebt ist.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not necessarily. It can describe a person's fit appearance or their fair attitude. Someone might look 'sportlich' because of their build or clothes without being a professional athlete.

Yes, 'ein sportliches Auto' is very common. it refers to the car's speed, handling, and design.

'Unsportlich' is the opposite. It can mean someone is not fit, but it is more commonly used to describe unfair behavior (e.g., 'ein unsportliches Foul').

You can use 'Sportlichkeit' or 'sportliches Verhalten.' Both capture the essence of being a fair player.

Yes! A 'sportlicher Zeitplan' means an ambitious or very tight schedule. It's a common office idiom.

Yes, in Germany, being 'sportlich' is generally seen as a very positive trait, implying health, energy, and fairness.

Yes, it follows the standard rules for adjective endings based on gender, case, and the preceding article.

In the context of clothing, yes. 'Sportliche Kleidung' is casual wear like sneakers, t-shirts, and tracksuits.

The comparative is 'sportlicher' and the superlative is 'am sportlichsten'.

Yes, if a task is challenging or requires a lot of effort, you can call it 'eine sportliche Aufgabe'.

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