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A1 adjective #4,500 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

schmal

상위 4,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 schmal 30초 만에

설명 schmal in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'schmal' is a basic descriptive word. You use it to talk about physical things you see. For example, 'Die Straße ist schmal' (The street is narrow). You learn it as the opposite of 'breit' (wide). It is important for describing your surroundings, like a narrow bed or a narrow room. At this level, you don't need to worry about metaphors; just focus on the size of objects. Remember that the word doesn't change when it comes after 'ist' (The path is narrow = Der Weg ist schmal), but it does change if it is before a noun (The narrow path = Der schmale Weg). This is one of the first adjectives you will use to describe shapes and dimensions in a simple way.

At A2, you start using 'schmal' to describe people's appearance in a neutral way, such as 'ein schmales Gesicht' (a narrow face). you also begin to see it in more specific contexts like clothing ('ein schmaler Gürtel'). You should be able to use it in the comparative form: 'Dieser Weg ist schmaler als der andere' (This path is narrower than the other). You will also notice it in compound words. You are expected to understand the difference between 'schmal' and 'eng' (tight) in basic situations, like clothes fitting or the width of a door. Your vocabulary is growing to include more specific physical descriptions beyond just 'groß' and 'klein'.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

By B1, you use 'schmal' for more abstract concepts, especially in professional or daily life. 'Ein schmales Budget' (a tight budget) or 'eine schmale Auswahl' (a limited selection) are common phrases at this level. You understand that 'schmal' can imply 'barely enough'. You can also use it to describe more complex geographical features during a vacation, like 'eine schmale Landbrücke'. In writing, you start using 'schmal' to add variety to your descriptions so you don't always use 'klein' or 'wenig'. You are also more comfortable with the various adjective endings required when 'schmal' is used in different grammatical cases like the dative or genitive.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, you master idiomatic expressions. The most important one is 'ein schmaler Grat' (a fine line). You can use this in discussions about ethics, politics, or personal choices: 'Es ist ein schmaler Grat zwischen Mut und Leichtsinn' (It's a fine line between courage and recklessness). You also recognize 'schmal' in technical contexts, such as 'schmale Margen' in business or 'schmale Schriftschnitte' in design. You understand the subtle difference between 'schmal' and 'schlank' and can choose the one that conveys the right connotation. Your use of the word is no longer just about physical width; it's about precision and nuance in your expression.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At C1, you use 'schmal' with stylistic flair. You might use it in literary descriptions to evoke a specific mood, such as 'das schmale Licht des Mondes' (the narrow/faint light of the moon). You are aware of rare or old-fashioned terms like 'Schmalhans' and can use them ironically or for emphasis. You understand the historical development of the word and how it relates to English 'small', which helps you avoid 'false friend' mistakes. You can discuss the nuances of architectural styles or urban planning using 'schmal' to describe the 'Verdichtung' (densification) of cities. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'schmal' as a precise tool for sophisticated analysis.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'schmal'. You can appreciate its use in classical German literature (like Goethe or Schiller) and understand how its meaning has shifted slightly over centuries. You can use it in highly specialized academic contexts, perhaps in a lecture on linguistics or geography, where the 'schmale' nuances of a definition or a border are critical. You can play with the word in poetry or creative writing, using its sounds and associations to create complex imagery. You are also fully aware of regional variations and can distinguish between 'schmaler' and 'schmäler' in different dialects without hesitation, choosing the one that fits the social context perfectly.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

schmal 30초 만에

Schmal means narrow or slender, describing objects or features with little width.
It is the opposite of 'breit' (wide) and differs from 'eng' (tight/cramped).
Commonly used for paths, streets, faces, budgets, and limited selections.
The comparative is 'schmaler' and the superlative is 'am schmalsten'.

The German adjective schmal primarily translates to "narrow" or "slender" in English. While it describes physical dimensions, its usage extends far beyond simple geometry into the realms of anatomy, economics, and figurative metaphors. Unlike the word eng (tight/cramped), which often carries a psychological sense of being restricted, schmal is more objective, focusing on the lack of breadth or width of an object. For instance, a mountain path that is only thirty centimeters wide is physically schmal, whereas a room that feels claustrophobic because it is full of furniture is eng.

Physical Dimension: Used to describe streets, paths, corridors, or objects that have a small distance from side to side. In German architecture, you might hear about 'schmale Handtuchgrundstücke'—plots of land as narrow as a towel.
Human Anatomy: Describes slender facial features, thin lips, or a delicate build. Calling someone's face 'schmal' is usually a neutral observation of their bone structure rather than a comment on their weight.
Financial Scarcity: When applied to budgets or salaries, it indicates that the amount of money is barely sufficient. 'Ein schmales Budget' suggests there is very little room for extra expenses.

Der Wanderweg auf dem Grat ist sehr schmal, also pass bitte auf deine Schritte auf.

— The hiking trail on the ridge is very narrow, so please watch your step.

In a broader context, schmal appears in various professional fields. In the printing industry, a 'schmaler Schriftschnitt' refers to a condensed font style. In geography, it describes strips of land (Landenge) or narrow bodies of water. The word is fundamental for A1 learners because it is one of the basic descriptors for the physical world, alongside breit (wide), hoch (high), and tief (deep).

Sie hat ein sehr schmales Gesicht mit hohen Wangenknochen.

— She has a very narrow face with high cheekbones.

Comparative Forms: The comparative is 'schmaler' (narrower) and the superlative is 'am schmalsten' (narrowest). While you might occasionally see 'schmäler' with an umlaut in older texts or specific dialects, 'schmaler' is the standard modern form.

Understanding the difference between schmal and dünn (thin) is also vital. Dünn is usually used for materials (thin paper) or people's weight, while schmal describes the width of a surface or a frame. You would describe a tie as schmal, but the fabric of the tie as dünn.

Using schmal correctly involves understanding German adjective endings (declension), which change based on the gender, number, and case of the noun it describes. Because it is a common descriptive adjective, you will encounter it in nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive forms. Let's explore how it functions across different sentence structures and grammatical contexts.

Das Auto passt kaum durch die schmale Gasse.

— The car barely fits through the narrow alleyway (Accusative Feminine).

Attributive Usage: When the adjective comes before the noun: 'Ein schmaler Gang' (A narrow corridor), 'Die schmale Brücke' (The narrow bridge), 'Das schmale Fenster' (The narrow window). Note how the ending changes: -er for masculine, -e for feminine/neuter in the nominative with 'ein'.
Predicative Usage: When it follows a verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become), it does not take an ending: 'Der Weg ist schmal' (The path is narrow), 'Sein Gesicht wurde schmal' (His face became narrow/thin).

In more advanced German, schmal is frequently paired with specific nouns to create set phrases. For instance, 'ein schmaler Grat' (a narrow ridge) is used metaphorically just like 'a fine line' in English to describe a precarious situation where one must balance carefully between two opposing sides or risks.

Es ist ein schmaler Grat zwischen Genie und Wahnsinn.

— It is a fine line (narrow ridge) between genius and insanity.

When describing movement through narrow spaces, verbs like winden (to wind) or zwängen (to squeeze) often appear in the same paragraph. 'Der schmale Pfad windet sich durch den Wald' (The narrow path winds through the forest). This paints a vivid picture of the geography.

Für dieses Projekt haben wir nur ein sehr schmales Zeitfenster.

— We only have a very narrow (limited) time window for this project.

Negation: To say something is not narrow, use 'nicht schmal' or the antonym 'breit' (wide). 'Die Straße ist nicht schmal, sie ist breit genug für zwei LKWs' (The street is not narrow; it is wide enough for two trucks).

If you are traveling in Germany, you will hear schmal most often in the context of navigation and architecture. Germany is famous for its medieval 'Altstädte' (old towns), where streets were built long before cars existed. GPS systems or locals giving directions might warn you: 'Vorsicht, die Straße wird dort sehr schmal' (Careful, the road becomes very narrow there).

In der Altstadt gibt es viele schmale Gassen, in die keine Autos fahren dürfen.

— In the old town, there are many narrow alleys where no cars are allowed to drive.

At the Tailor or Boutique: In fashion, 'schmal geschnitten' means 'slim fit' or 'narrow cut'. If you are looking for a suit or a dress that hugs the body, you would ask for a 'schmaler Schnitt'. This is common terminology in clothing stores across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
In the News (Business/Politics): News anchors often use 'schmal' to describe thin margins. 'Ein schmaler Sieg' is a narrow victory. In economic reports, 'schmale Margen' (narrow margins) refer to low profit profitability, a common topic during financial crises.

Hiking is a national pastime in German-speaking countries. Trail markers or guidebooks frequently use schmal to describe the difficulty of a path. A 'schmaler Steig' usually implies that you need to be sure-footed and perhaps not afraid of heights. It is a keyword for safety in the mountains.

Die Brücke ist so schmal, dass nur Fußgänger sie benutzen können.

— The bridge is so narrow that only pedestrians can use it.

In everyday conversation, you might hear a friend describe a book as a 'schmaler Band' (a slender volume). This is often a polite way of saying the book is short or a specialized poetic work. It carries a slightly more sophisticated tone than just saying 'ein dünnes Buch'.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing schmal with eng. While both can translate to 'narrow', they are not interchangeable in many contexts. Eng implies a lack of space that causes pressure or discomfort (tight shoes, a cramped room), while schmal simply describes the physical proportion of width.

Falsch: Meine Schuhe sind zu schmal. (Unless you mean they look narrow physically).
Richtig: Meine Schuhe sind zu eng. (They are too tight for my feet).

Confusion with 'Dünn': Another common error is using 'schmal' for 'thin' in the sense of thickness. A sheet of paper is 'dünn', not 'schmal'. A person who has lost a lot of weight is 'dünn' or 'mager'. 'Schmal' is only used for people to describe their natural bone structure (e.g., narrow shoulders).
Declension Errors: Learners often forget to add the 'e' or 'er' when 'schmal' is used before a noun. Saying 'ein schmal Weg' is incorrect; it must be 'ein schmaler Weg'. Remember: adjectives before nouns need endings!

Another nuance is the superlative. While 'am schmalsten' is standard, you might hear 'am schmälsten' in some regions. As a learner, stick to 'schmaler' and 'am schmalsten' to be safe and sound modern. Using the umlaut version is not 'wrong', but it can sound slightly dated or regional depending on who you talk to.

Dieser Gürtel ist viel zu schmal für diese Hose.

— This belt is much too narrow for these pants (Correct use of physical width).

To truly master German, you need to know when to reach for schmal and when a synonym might be more precise. German is a language of 'Treffgenauigkeit' (accuracy), and choosing the right word for 'narrow' depends on the context.

Eng vs. Schmal: Eng: Focuses on the lack of space relative to something else. 'Die Hose ist eng' (The pants are tight on me).
Schmal: Focuses on the absolute width. 'Die Hose hat ein schmales Bein' (The pants have a narrow leg design).
Schlank vs. Schmal: Schlank: Usually positive, meaning 'slim' or 'slender' in an attractive way. Used for people and elegant designs.
Schmal: More neutral. A face can be 'schmal' without necessarily being 'schlank'.
Begrenzt vs. Schmal: Begrenzt: Means 'limited'. When talking about resources or time, you can use 'schmal' (ein schmales Budget) or 'begrenzt' (begrenzte Mittel). 'Schmal' sounds more colloquial and descriptive of the 'thinness' of the wallet.

In formal or technical writing, you might encounter beengt. This is the past participle of 'beengen' (to restrict) and describes living conditions that are too small. 'In beengten Verhältnissen leben' means to live in cramped conditions. Schmal would not work here because it refers to a single dimension, whereas beengt refers to the overall volume of space.

Die Auswahl an Gerichten ist heute etwas schmal.

— The selection of dishes is a bit narrow (limited) today.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

While the English word 'small' evolved to mean size in general, the German 'schmal' specialized to mean 'narrow' in terms of width. In Old German, it could also refer to livestock (small animals like sheep/goats).

발음 가이드

UK /ʃmaːl/

US /ʃmɑːl/

Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.

라임이 맞는 단어

Aal Saal Stahl Wahl Zahl Qual Mal Tal

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'sch' as 's' (smal).
Using a short 'a' sound (like in 'cat'). It must be a long 'ah'.
Swallowing the 'l' at the end.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English word 'small'.
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end.

난이도

독해 1/5

Easy to recognize, similar to English 'small' in appearance but different in meaning.

쓰기 2/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings.

말하기 1/5

Simple pronunciation, though the 'schm' cluster needs practice.

듣기 1/5

Distinct sound, usually easy to hear in context.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

breit groß klein Weg Straße

다음에 배울 것

eng schlank dünn Grat Budget

고급

schmälern engstirnig beengt filigran Margen

알아야 할 문법

Adjective Declension

Der schmale Weg (Nominative), den schmalen Weg (Accusative).

Comparison of Adjectives

schmal -> schmaler -> am schmalsten.

Predicative vs Attributive

Das Haus ist schmal (No ending) vs. Das schmale Haus (With ending).

Compound Noun Gender

Die Schmalspur (Gender comes from 'Spur').

Dative after prepositions

In der schmalen Gasse (Dative feminine).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

Der Weg ist sehr schmal.

The path is very narrow.

Predicative use: no ending.

Ich habe ein schmales Bett.

I have a narrow bed.

Attributive use: neuter nominative with 'ein'.

Das ist eine schmale Straße.

That is a narrow street.

Attributive use: feminine nominative.

Die Brücke ist schmal.

The bridge is narrow.

Simple adjective after 'ist'.

Nimm den schmalen Pfad.

Take the narrow path.

Accusative masculine with 'den'.

Mein Zimmer hat ein schmales Fenster.

My room has a narrow window.

Accusative neuter.

Ist der Schrank zu schmal?

Is the wardrobe too narrow?

Question with predicative adjective.

Hier ist ein schmaler Gang.

Here is a narrow corridor.

Nominative masculine with 'ein'.

Sie hat ein schmales Gesicht.

She has a narrow face.

Describing physical features.

Dieser Gürtel ist schmaler als der blaue.

This belt is narrower than the blue one.

Comparative form.

Wir brauchen einen schmalen Tisch für die Küche.

We need a narrow table for the kitchen.

Accusative masculine.

Die Gasse wird dort hinten sehr schmal.

The alley becomes very narrow back there.

Use with the verb 'werden'.

Er trägt eine schmale Krawatte.

He is wearing a narrow tie.

Fashion context.

Das ist das schmalste Haus der Stadt.

That is the narrowest house in the city.

Superlative form.

Die Treppe im Turm ist sehr schmal.

The stairs in the tower are very narrow.

Plural noun, predicative adjective.

Ich suche ein schmales Regal.

I am looking for a narrow shelf.

Direct object (Accusative).

Mit unserem schmalen Budget können wir nicht verreisen.

With our narrow (tight) budget, we cannot travel.

Figurative use for money.

Die Auswahl an vegetarischen Gerichten ist schmal.

The selection of vegetarian dishes is narrow (limited).

Describing a limited range.

Das Boot fuhr durch eine schmale Meerenge.

The boat sailed through a narrow strait.

Geographical term.

Er hat nur eine schmale Lippe riskiert.

He barely said anything (idiomatic).

Colloquial expression.

Die Grenze zwischen den Ländern ist ein schmaler Streifen Land.

The border between the countries is a narrow strip of land.

Describing land area.

Wir haben nur ein schmales Zeitfenster für die Besprechung.

We only have a narrow time window for the meeting.

Time management context.

Das Buch erschien in einem schmalen Band.

The book was published in a slender volume.

Describing a physical book.

Trotz des schmalen Gewinns war die Firma zufrieden.

Despite the narrow profit, the company was satisfied.

Genitive case after 'trotz'.

Es ist ein schmaler Grat zwischen Selbstvertrauen und Arroganz.

It is a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance.

Common metaphorical idiom.

Die schmale Marge lässt kaum Spielraum für Investitionen.

The narrow margin leaves hardly any room for investment.

Business terminology.

Das Modell ist für seine schmale Silhouette bekannt.

The model is known for its slender silhouette.

Describing design or form.

Der Politiker siegte mit einer schmalen Mehrheit.

The politician won with a narrow majority.

Political context.

Die schmale Bauweise spart Platz in der Innenstadt.

The narrow construction style saves space in the city center.

Architecture context.

Wir müssen uns mit einem schmalen Angebot begnügen.

We have to be content with a narrow (limited) offer.

Dative case after 'mit'.

Sein Gesicht wirkte im fahlen Licht noch schmaler.

His face looked even narrower in the pale light.

Descriptive literary style.

Die schmale Schrift ist schwer zu lesen.

The condensed (narrow) font is hard to read.

Typography context.

Die schmale Gratwanderung der Diplomatie erfordert Fingerspitzengefühl.

The narrow balancing act of diplomacy requires tact.

Complex compound noun/metaphor.

Die Erkenntnisgrundlage für diese Theorie ist recht schmal.

The empirical basis for this theory is quite narrow.

Academic context.

Ein schmaler Lichtstreifen drang durch die geschlossenen Läden.

A narrow strip of light penetrated the closed shutters.

Evocative description.

Das Unternehmen operiert auf einem schmalen Fundament.

The company operates on a narrow (unstable) foundation.

Metaphorical business use.

Ihre schmalen Lippen waren fest zusammengepresst.

Her thin lips were pressed tightly together.

Character description.

Die schmale Kost während der Belagerung zehrte an ihren Kräften.

The meager (narrow) fare during the siege sapped their strength.

Formal/Historical context.

Es bleibt ein schmaler Rest an Hoffnung.

A narrow (tiny) remnant of hope remains.

Poetic abstract use.

Die schmalbrüstige Argumentation konnte niemanden überzeugen.

The weak (narrow-chested) argumentation could convince no one.

Figurative compound adjective.

In der schmalen Fülle des Augenblicks liegt die Ewigkeit.

In the narrow fullness of the moment lies eternity.

Philosophical oxymoron.

Die schmale Silhouette des Turms durchschnitt den Abendhimmel.

The slender silhouette of the tower cut through the evening sky.

High literary style.

Sein Werk zeichnet sich durch eine schmale, aber tiefe Gelehrsamkeit aus.

His work is characterized by narrow but deep erudition.

Academic critique.

Die schmale Grenze zwischen Sein und Schein verschwamm.

The narrow border between being and appearance blurred.

Ontological discussion.

Er lebte in schmalen Verhältnissen, doch sein Geist war frei.

He lived in meager circumstances, yet his spirit was free.

Archaic/Formal expression for poverty.

Das Gedicht besticht durch seine schmale Form und karge Sprache.

The poem impresses with its narrow form and sparse language.

Literary analysis.

Die schmale Sichel des Neumonds stand am Horizont.

The narrow crescent of the new moon stood on the horizon.

Astronomical description.

Eine schmale Spur von Ironie schwang in seiner Stimme mit.

A narrow (slight) trace of irony resonated in his voice.

Subtle characterization.

자주 쓰는 조합

schmale Gasse

schmales Gesicht

schmales Budget

schmaler Grat

schmale Lippen

schmaler Pfad

schmale Schultern

schmales Handtuch

schmale Marge

schmale Kost

자주 쓰는 구문

Auf schmalem Fuß leben

— To live on a tight budget. It suggests frugality.

Als Student musste ich auf schmalem Fuß leben.

Eine schmale Lippe riskieren

— To be very cautious with what one says or to say very little.

Er riskierte bei dem Verhör nur eine schmale Lippe.

Schmalhans ist Küchenmeister

— There is very little food available; times of scarcity.

In Kriegszeiten war Schmalhans Küchenmeister.

Ein schmaler Trost

— A small or poor comfort; something that doesn't really help much.

Das ist nur ein schmaler Trost für den Verlust.

Schmaler Schnitt

— Slim fit; a style of clothing that is cut close to the body.

Ich bevorzuge Anzüge mit schmalem Schnitt.

Ein schmales Lächeln

— A thin, perhaps forced or subtle smile.

Sie antwortete mit einem schmalen Lächeln.

Schmale Augen machen

— To squint or look at something with suspicion/concentration.

Er machte schmale Augen, um das Schild zu lesen.

Ein schmales Handtuch

— Used to describe a very thin person or a very narrow piece of land.

Der Junge ist ein richtiges schmales Handtuch.

Schmale Seite

— The narrow side of an object.

Stell den Schrank mit der schmalen Seite zur Wand.

Ein schmaler Sieg

— A victory won by a very small margin.

Es war ein schmaler Sieg für die Regierungspartei.

자주 혼동되는 단어

schmal vs eng

Eng means tight or cramped; schmal just means not wide.

schmal vs dünn

Dünn refers to thickness or body weight; schmal refers to width.

schmal vs schlank

Schlank is usually positive and implies elegance; schmal is neutral.

관용어 및 표현

"Auf schmalem Grat wandeln"

— To be in a precarious situation where a small mistake could lead to disaster.

Der Minister wandelt auf einem schmalen Grat.

elevated

"Die schmale Tour fahren"

— To be stingy or to take the easiest, least generous path.

Er fährt bei den Gehaltsverhandlungen wieder die schmale Tour.

informal

"Schmalhans sein"

— To be stingy or to have very little money/food.

Diesen Monat ist bei uns Schmalhans angesagt.

colloquial

"Eine schmale Mark machen"

— To try to save money or earn a small amount with little effort.

Er versucht immer, eine schmale Mark zu machen.

slang (dated)

"Ein schmales Brett bohren"

— To take the easy way out or to put in very little effort (lazy).

In seiner Hausarbeit hat er ein ziemlich schmales Brett gebohrt.

informal

"Schmaler Geldbeutel"

— Having very little money (literally 'narrow wallet').

Diese Reise ist auch für den schmalen Geldbeutel geeignet.

neutral

"Schmaler Grat zwischen..."

— The fine line between two things.

Der schmale Grat zwischen Genie und Wahnsinn.

neutral

"Sich schmal machen"

— To make oneself small/narrow to let someone pass or to avoid being noticed.

Mach dich mal schmal, damit ich vorbeikomme.

neutral

"Ein schmales Hemd sein"

— To be a very thin or physically weak person.

Er ist ein ganz schmales Hemd, er kann das nicht tragen.

informal

"Schmale Kost"

— Simple, meager food; also used for intellectual content that lacks depth.

Der Vortrag war leider nur schmale Kost.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

schmal vs eng

Both translate to 'narrow' in English.

Eng describes a feeling of lack of space or pressure. Schmal describes the physical dimension of width. You wear 'enge' shoes, but walk on a 'schmalen' path.

Die Gasse ist schmal, aber nicht eng (The alley is narrow, but not cramped).

schmal vs dünn

Both relate to being 'thin'.

Dünn is the opposite of 'dick' (thick). Schmal is the opposite of 'breit' (wide). A wall is 'dünn' if it's not thick, but 'schmal' if it's not wide.

Das Eis ist zu dünn, um darauf zu stehen.

schmal vs klein

General word for small.

Klein refers to overall size. Schmal specifically refers to width. A tall building can be schmal, but it isn't necessarily klein.

Das Haus ist hoch, aber schmal.

schmal vs mager

Used for 'thin' people or food.

Mager implies a lack of fat or substance. Schmal implies a narrow frame. A person can be schmal (narrow-shouldered) without being mager (skinny).

Der Quark ist mager.

schmal vs kurz

Sometimes confused in descriptions of paths.

Kurz refers to length; schmal refers to width. A path can be long but narrow.

Der Weg ist kurz und schmal.

문장 패턴

Das [Nomen] ist schmal.

Das Fenster ist schmal.

Ich habe ein schmales [Nomen].

Ich habe ein schmales Gesicht.

Wegen des schmalen [Nomen]...

Wegen des schmalen Budgets bleiben wir zu Hause.

Es ist ein schmaler Grat zwischen [A] und [B].

Es ist ein schmaler Grat zwischen Liebe und Hass.

Die [Nomen] erweist sich als äußerst schmal.

Die Beweislage erweist sich als äußerst schmal.

Ein schmaler [Nomen] führt nach...

Ein schmaler Pfad führt nach oben.

[Nomen A] ist schmaler als [Nomen B].

Der blaue Tisch ist schmaler als der rote Tisch.

Wir müssen mit einem schmalen [Nomen] auskommen.

Wir müssen mit einem schmalen Gehalt auskommen.

어휘 가족

명사

Die Schmalheit (narrowness)

Der Schmalhans (personification of scarcity)

Die Schmalspur (narrow gauge track)

동사

Schmälern (to reduce, to diminish)

Sich schmal machen (to squeeze oneself)

형용사

Schmälig (archaic: meager)

Schmalspurig (narrow-gauge / narrow-minded)

Schmalwangig (narrow-cheeked)

사용법

frequency

Very high in physical descriptions; medium in figurative use.

자주 하는 실수

Der Weg ist klein. → Der Weg ist schmal.
Paths are described by their width (narrow), not just their general size (small).
Meine Hose ist zu schmal. → Meine Hose ist zu eng.
If the pants feel tight on your body, use 'eng'. 'Schmal' would mean the leg design is narrow.
Ein schmal Buch. → Ein schmales Buch.
Adjectives before neuter nouns with 'ein' need the '-es' ending in the nominative/accusative.
Er ist schmalstirnig. → Er ist engstirnig.
'Narrow-minded' translates to 'engstirnig'. 'Schmalstirnig' is not used.
Das Papier ist schmal. → Das Papier ist dünn.
Paper is 'thin' (thickness), not 'narrow' (width), unless you are talking about a long, thin strip of paper.

팁

Adjective Endings

Remember that 'schmal' needs an ending when it's in front of a noun. Practice saying 'der schmale', 'die schmale', 'das schmale' to get used to the sounds.

Think Dimensions

Visualize a ruler. 'Schmal' is about the side-to-side measurement. This helps distinguish it from 'dünn' (thickness) and 'kurz' (length).

Old Towns

When visiting German 'Altstädte', look for 'schmale Gassen'. It's a great way to remember the word in its most natural physical context.

Fine Line

Learn 'schmaler Grat' as a fixed phrase. It's very useful for B2+ level discussions and makes you sound very sophisticated.

The 'L' Sound

Keep your tongue light and forward for the final 'l'. Don't let it become a 'dark l' like in the English word 'wall'.

Fashion Tips

If you go shopping in Germany, look for 'Slim Fit' or 'Schmaler Schnitt' labels on shirts and trousers.

Small Mall

Remember: A SMALL mall has SCHMAL (narrow) hallways. It’s a perfect sound-association.

Descriptive Writing

Use 'schmal' to describe light, like 'ein schmaler Lichtstrahl'. It creates a more vivid image than 'ein bisschen Licht'.

Traffic News

Listen for 'schmale Fahrbahn' in traffic announcements on the radio. It usually means construction is making the lanes narrower.

Eng vs Schmal

Always ask: 'Is it physically narrow (schmal) or does it feel tight (eng)?' This simple question solves 90% of mistakes.

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기억법

Think of a 'Small Mall'. If a mall is small, its corridors are probably 'schmal' (narrow).

시각적 연상

Imagine a very tall, thin person trying to walk through a narrow gap between two buildings. The gap is 'schmal'.

Word Web

Breit (Antonym) Eng (Confused with) Pfad (Common noun) Gesicht (Common noun) Budget (Figurative) Schmaler Grat (Idiom) Schlank (Synonym) Gasse (Common noun)

챌린지

Try to describe three things in your room that are 'schmal'. Then, use 'schmaler' to compare them. For example: 'Mein Handy ist schmaler als mein Buch.'

어원

From Middle High German 'smal' and Old High German 'smal', meaning small, thin, or insignificant.

원래 의미: Originally referred to anything small or of little importance, not just width.

Germanic; related to English 'small', Dutch 'smal', and Old Norse 'smalr'.

문화적 맥락

Calling a person 'schmal' is generally neutral, but like any physical descriptor, it should be used with care depending on the context of their health or self-image.

English speakers often use 'small' where Germans use 'klein', but 'schmal' specifically mirrors the English 'narrow'.

The 'Schmales Haus' in Eisenach (one of the narrowest inhabited houses in Germany). The idiom 'Schmalhans' appears in various German literary works to depict poverty. The 'Schmalspurbahn' (narrow-gauge railway) is a popular tourist attraction in regions like the Harz mountains.

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실제 사용 상황

Geography/Hiking

ein schmaler Pfad
eine schmale Brücke
der schmale Grat
eine schmale Durchfahrt

Fashion

schmal geschnitten
eine schmale Krawatte
schmale Schultern
ein schmaler Gürtel

Finance

ein schmales Budget
schmale Margen
schmale Einkünfte
auf schmalem Fuß leben

Architecture

eine schmale Gasse
ein schmales Fenster
die schmale Treppe
ein schmales Haus

Human Description

ein schmales Gesicht
schmale Lippen
schmale Hände
eine schmale Gestalt

대화 시작하기

"Ist die Straße dort schmaler als hier?"

"Findest du dieses Gesicht zu schmal?"

"Haben wir für den Urlaub ein schmales Budget?"

"Ist das ein schmaler Grat zwischen Risiko und Erfolg?"

"Passt der Schrank durch diese schmale Tür?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe eine schmale Gasse in einer Stadt, die du besucht hast.

Wann bist du das letzte Mal auf einem schmalen Grat gewandelt (metaphorisch)?

Wie planst du dein Leben, wenn dein Budget schmal ist?

Beschreibe die Vor- und Nachteile eines schmalen Hauses.

Welche schmalen Pfade in deiner Nähe gehst du gerne spazieren?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, although they look similar, they are 'false friends'. English 'small' means 'klein' in German. German 'schmal' means 'narrow' in English. For example, a 'small room' is 'ein kleines Zimmer', but a 'narrow room' is 'ein schmales Zimmer'.

In modern standard German, 'schmaler' is the preferred comparative form. 'Schmäler' is also correct but sounds more traditional or regional. You will see 'schmäler' more often in literature or in the verb 'schmälern' (to reduce).

Yes, you can use it to describe a person's build, face, or shoulders. It is generally a neutral description. For example, 'Er hat schmale Schultern' means he has narrow shoulders.

The direct opposite is 'breit' (wide). For example, 'ein schmaler Weg' vs. 'ein breiter Weg'.

You should not use 'schmal'. The correct word is 'engstirnig' (literally 'narrow-foreheaded'). You could also use 'beschränkt' or 'kleinkariert'.

Usually no. If clothes are too tight, use 'eng'. However, 'schmal geschnitten' is a fashion term for 'slim fit', describing the design rather than the fit on a specific person.

Yes, in the phrase 'ein schmales Zeitfenster' (a narrow time window), meaning a very limited amount of time to do something.

It's a personification of hunger or stinginess. 'Bei uns ist Schmalhans Küchenmeister' means we are very short on food or money right now.

No, for a small amount of liquid, you would use 'wenig' or 'ein Schluck'. 'Schmal' only refers to the width of the container or the stream of liquid (e.g., 'ein schmaler Wasserstrahl').

Yes, it is a very common A1-level word that every learner should know for basic descriptions of the world.

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