Meaning
Used to express disapproval or a negative evaluation.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Klartext' (plain speaking). Saying 'Das ist schlecht' is seen as helpful because it identifies a problem clearly. In Austria, people might use 'Das ist blöd' or 'Das ist schiach' (dialect for ugly/bad) to express the same sentiment with a local flavor. Swiss German speakers might use 'Das isch nöd guet' (That is not good) which sounds slightly more reserved than the high German 'Das ist schlecht.' In German business, 'Das ist schlecht' is a common way to reject a proposal that doesn't meet technical standards. It is not an attack on the person's character.
The 'Ich bin schlecht' Trap
Never say 'Ich bin schlecht' if you want to say you are sick. You will accidentally tell everyone you are a villain!
Intensify it!
Add 'echt' (really) to sound more like a native speaker: 'Das ist echt schlecht!'
Meaning
Used to express disapproval or a negative evaluation.
The 'Ich bin schlecht' Trap
Never say 'Ich bin schlecht' if you want to say you are sick. You will accidentally tell everyone you are a villain!
Intensify it!
Add 'echt' (really) to sound more like a native speaker: 'Das ist echt schlecht!'
Directness is Kindness
Don't be afraid to use this phrase in Germany. Being direct is often seen as more respectful than being vague.
Test Yourself
Which phrase should you use if you feel sick to your stomach?
Mir geht es nicht gut. ______.
'Mir ist schlecht' is the fixed expression for feeling nauseous.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'schlecht'.
Das ist eine _________ Idee.
Since 'Idee' is feminine ({die|f}), the adjective must take the '-e' ending in the attributive position.
Match the reaction to the situation.
Situation: You lost your wallet. Reaction: ?
Losing a wallet is a negative event, so 'Das ist schlecht' is the appropriate reaction.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mein {Fahrrad|n} ist kaputt. B: Oh, ________.
B is reacting to the situation of the broken bike.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Schlecht vs. Schade
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMir geht es nicht gut. ______.
'Mir ist schlecht' is the fixed expression for feeling nauseous.
Das ist eine _________ Idee.
Since 'Idee' is feminine ({die|f}), the adjective must take the '-e' ending in the attributive position.
Situation: You lost your wallet. Reaction: ?
Losing a wallet is a negative event, so 'Das ist schlecht' is the appropriate reaction.
A: Mein {Fahrrad|n} ist kaputt. B: Oh, ________.
B is reacting to the situation of the broken bike.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, no. It is a neutral statement of fact. However, context matters—don't say it about someone's new baby!
Yes, 'Es ist schlecht' is also correct, but 'Das ist schlecht' is more common when pointing to a specific situation or thing just mentioned.
The opposite is 'Das ist gut' or 'Das ist schön.'
You say 'Das ist nicht so schlecht' or 'Das ist halb so schlimm.'
Yes! If food has gone bad, you say: '{Die|f} {Milch|f} ist schlecht geworden.'
'Schlecht' is about quality or news; 'schlimm' is about severity or pain. A bad movie is 'schlecht'; a bad accident is 'schlimm.'
Because it is a predicative adjective (it comes after the verb). Adjectives only get endings when they are right before a noun.
If you say 'Er ist schlecht,' you mean he is a bad/evil person. If you mean he is bad at a sport, say 'Er spielt schlecht.'
The superlative is 'am schlechtesten.' For example: 'Dieser {Tag|m} war am schlechtesten.'
Yes, they share a common Germanic root, though their meanings have diverged significantly over time.
Related Phrases
Das ist schade.
similarThat's a pity.
Das ist schlimm.
builds onThat is bad/serious.
Das ist nicht gut.
synonymThat is not good.
Das ist übel.
specialized formThat is nasty/evil.
