In 15 Seconds
- Used for rain, wind, or gray skies.
- A perfect neutral conversation starter for small talk.
- Requires the '-es' adjective ending before the noun.
Meaning
This is the most common way to describe any kind of unpleasant conditions outside, like rain, wind, or gray skies. It's the ultimate conversation starter for Germans who love to bond over a shared grumble about the sky.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting a neighbor in the elevator
Heute haben wir wirklich schlechtes Wetter, oder?
We have really bad weather today, don't we?
Explaining why you are staying home
Bei schlechtem Wetter bleibe ich lieber zu Hause.
In bad weather, I prefer to stay at home.
A formal announcement at an event
Wegen des schlechten Wetters findet das Konzert drinnen statt.
Due to the bad weather, the concert will take place indoors.
Cultural Background
In the North, 'schlechtes Wetter' is often just called 'Wetter'. There is a saying: 'Regen ist erst, wenn die Heringe auf Augenhöhe vorbeischwimmen' (It's only raining when the herrings swim past at eye level). They are very stoic about it. Bavarians might use the word 'pampig' or 'greislig' to describe bad weather. They often associate bad weather with the 'Föhn' wind, which can cause headaches. In Switzerland, 'schlechtes Wetter' in the mountains is taken very seriously for safety reasons. They have very precise terms for different types of snow and fog. Complaining about the weather is the most common 'small talk' topic. It is considered polite and non-controversial.
The 'es' Rule
If you don't say 'das', you MUST say 'schlechtes'. It's the most common A1 grammar mistake.
Bonding through complaining
Don't be afraid to sound negative. Complaining about the weather is a friendly gesture in Germany!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for rain, wind, or gray skies.
- A perfect neutral conversation starter for small talk.
- Requires the '-es' adjective ending before the noun.
What It Means
Schlechtes Wetter is exactly what it sounds like. It covers everything from a light drizzle to a full-blown storm. If you can't wear a T-shirt and feel happy, it's probably schlechtes Wetter. It’s simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You use it just like in English. You can say Es gibt schlechtes Wetter or Das Wetter ist schlecht. Remember that Wetter is a neuter noun (das Wetter). Because of this, the adjective schlecht gets an -es ending when it comes before the noun. It's a great phrase for beginners because it fits into almost any sentence structure.
When To Use It
Use it when you meet a neighbor in the hallway. Use it when your outdoor plans get canceled. It’s perfect for small talk at the office coffee machine. Germans often use it as a way to bridge the silence. It’s a safe, neutral topic that everyone can agree on. If it's raining, you're 100% safe saying this.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if it's just a bit cloudy but still warm. Germans are quite hardy people. A little bit of wind isn't always 'bad' to them. Also, avoid using it if you want to sound very poetic or dramatic. There are much stronger words for terrible storms. It might sound a bit too simple if you're describing a hurricane.
Cultural Background
Germans have a complex relationship with the weather. There is a very famous saying: 'Es gibt kein schlechtes Wetter, nur falsche Kleidung.' This means 'There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothes.' This reflects the German love for functional outdoor gear. Even in schlechtes Wetter, you will see people hiking in high-tech rain jackets. Complaining about the weather is a national pastime, but so is being prepared for it.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more like a local, you might hear Mistwetter. That’s a bit more informal and translates roughly to 'crap weather.' Another fun one is Sauwetter, which literally means 'pig weather.' These are great for when you're really annoyed by the rain. For A1 learners, sticking to schlechtes Wetter is always the safest bet.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and works in all social registers. The main difficulty for beginners is the adjective ending '-es', which is required because 'Wetter' is a neuter noun.
The 'es' Rule
If you don't say 'das', you MUST say 'schlechtes'. It's the most common A1 grammar mistake.
Bonding through complaining
Don't be afraid to sound negative. Complaining about the weather is a friendly gesture in Germany!
Avoid 'Böse'
Never call the weather 'böse' unless you are in a Grimm's fairy tale.
Use 'Bei'
Master the phrase 'Bei schlechtem Wetter' to sound much more advanced than a beginner.
Examples
6Heute haben wir wirklich schlechtes Wetter, oder?
We have really bad weather today, don't we?
A classic way to start a brief, polite conversation.
Bei schlechtem Wetter bleibe ich lieber zu Hause.
In bad weather, I prefer to stay at home.
Notice how 'schlechtem' changes ending after 'bei'.
Wegen des schlechten Wetters findet das Konzert drinnen statt.
Due to the bad weather, the concert will take place indoors.
Very common in official notices or formal settings.
Schlechtes Wetter heute... kein Grillen?
Bad weather today... no BBQ?
Short and clear for a quick text message.
Schlechtes Wetter? Das ist nur flüssiger Sonnenschein!
Bad weather? That's just liquid sunshine!
A common joke to lighten the mood during heavy rain.
Ich kann dieses schlechte Wetter nicht mehr sehen.
I can't look at this bad weather anymore.
Expresses a feeling of being fed up with the gloom.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct adjective ending.
Heute haben wir wirklich schlecht___ Wetter.
Since there is no article and 'Wetter' is neuter, the adjective takes the strong ending '-es'.
Which sentence is correct?
Talking about a trip in the rain:
'Bei' is a dative preposition, so 'schlecht' gets the '-em' ending for neuter nouns.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a bus stop and it starts to pour rain. What do you say to the person next to you?
This is the standard social response to sudden rain.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Gehen wir heute in den Park? B: Nein, schau mal raus. ______.
'Wir haben schlechtes Wetter' is a natural way to describe the current state.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Adjective Endings for 'schlecht'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHeute haben wir wirklich schlecht___ Wetter.
Since there is no article and 'Wetter' is neuter, the adjective takes the strong ending '-es'.
Talking about a trip in the rain:
'Bei' is a dative preposition, so 'schlecht' gets the '-em' ending for neuter nouns.
You are at a bus stop and it starts to pour rain. What do you say to the person next to you?
This is the standard social response to sudden rain.
A: Gehen wir heute in den Park? B: Nein, schau mal raus. ______.
'Wir haben schlechtes Wetter' is a natural way to describe the current state.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, but it can also mean very cold, very windy, or just extremely gray and depressing.
Yes, that is perfectly correct and very common.
'Schlechtes Wetter' is annoying; 'Unwetter' is dangerous (storms, floods).
It's informal and a bit 'salty', but not usually considered a swear word. Don't use it in a job interview, though!
Because 'bei' requires the dative case, and the dative neuter ending for adjectives without an article is '-em'.
You say: 'Das Wetter wird schlecht.'
Yes, simply 'gutes Wetter' or 'schönes Wetter'.
No, but they take pride in being prepared for it with high-quality jackets.
Yes, if the snow is slushy and unpleasant, it's 'schlechtes Wetter'. If it's beautiful and powdery, it's 'schönes Winterwetter'.
It's a specific type of 'schlechtes Wetter' that is damp, gray, and slightly dirty-feeling, common in the North.
Related Phrases
Gutes Wetter
contrastGood weather
Unwetter
specialized formSevere storm
Sauwetter
synonymTerrible weather
Regenwetter
similarRainy weather
Wetterbericht
builds onWeather report
