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B1 adjective #8,500 most common 10 min read

launisch

Top 8,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips launisch in 30 Seconds

Explanation launisch in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that launisch means 'moody'. You can use it in very simple sentences with the verb sein (to be). For example: 'Ich bin launisch' (I am moody) or 'Er ist heute launisch' (He is moody today). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex adjective endings. Just remember that it describes how someone feels or acts when their mood changes quickly. Think of it as the opposite of being 'glücklich' (happy) all the time. It is a useful word to describe your friends, your family, or even your pets when they are acting a bit difficult. Focus on the base form of the word and how to pronounce it: LAU-nish.

At the A2 level, you start using launisch to describe things beyond just people, like the weather. You should also begin to understand the difference between launisch and schlecht gelaunt. Remember: schlecht gelaunt means you are in a bad mood right now, but launisch means your mood changes a lot. You will also start to see the word used with simple adjective endings, like 'ein launischer Tag' (a moody day). You can use it to give reasons for things, such as 'Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil das Wetter heute launisch ist' (I am staying home because the weather is moody today). This level is about expanding the contexts in which you use the word.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use launisch more precisely. You should be comfortable with all adjective endings (e.g., 'mit einem launischen Chef arbeiten'). You also learn to use the comparative and superlative forms: launischer and am launischsten. You might use it in more complex sentences with conjunctions like obwohl (although) or trotzdem (nevertheless). For example: 'Obwohl er oft launisch ist, mag ich ihn sehr' (Although he is often moody, I like him a lot). You should also recognize that the word comes from die Laune and understand how prefixes or other related words work. This is the level where you start to sound more like a native speaker by using the word in its natural social contexts, such as describing a difficult work environment.

At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of launisch compared to synonyms like wankelmütig or unbeständig. You can use it in more abstract contexts, such as describing the 'launische Natur des Glücks' (the moody nature of luck). Your vocabulary is rich enough to use adverbs to modify the word, like 'unberechenbar launisch' (unpredictably moody). You are also aware of the cultural context, such as the 'Aprilwetter' trope in Germany. In discussions, you can use the word to describe character traits in literature or films, providing detailed reasons why a character's Launigkeit (moodiness) affects the plot. You should be able to handle the word in both formal writing and informal slang without confusion.

At the C1 level, you use launisch with sophisticated precision. You might use it in an academic or literary sense to describe the 'kapriziöse und launische' nature of a historical figure. You understand the etymological connection to the moon (luna) and can use this knowledge to appreciate wordplay in high-level texts. You are comfortable using the noun form die Launigkeit or the related adjective launig (witty), and you never confuse the two. You can participate in complex debates about human temperament, using launisch to describe emotional lability in a psychological context. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, including the use of idiomatic expressions.

At the C2 level, launisch is just one tool in a vast arsenal of descriptors. You can use it to discuss the philosophical implications of a 'launisches Schicksal' (moody/fickle fate) or the 'launische Ästhetik' of a post-modern artwork. You appreciate the subtle irony when the word is used in high-register journalism to describe political shifts or economic volatility. You can effortlessly switch between the literal meaning and its many metaphorical applications. You might even use the word to critique the linguistic development of German adjectives. At this level, you don't just know the word; you understand its place in the history of the German language and its resonance in German culture and philosophy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

launisch in 30 Seconds

Launisch is a common German adjective meaning 'moody' or 'temperamental', used primarily to describe people whose emotions change quickly and unpredictably.
The word is derived from 'die Laune' (mood) and historically relates to the moon's phases influencing human behavior and sanity.
It is frequently applied to the weather, especially in spring, to describe rapid shifts between sun, rain, and wind within a short period.
While often negative, it can also describe complex artistic temperaments or volatile systems like the stock market or unreliable machinery.

The German adjective launisch is a versatile and frequently used term that primarily describes a person's tendency to undergo frequent and unpredictable changes in mood. At its core, it is derived from the noun die Laune, which means 'mood' or 'temper'. However, while Laune can be positive (gute Laune) or negative (schlechte Laune), the adjective launisch almost always carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, implying that someone is fickle, temperamental, or difficult to please because their emotional state shifts without warning.

The Core Meaning: To call someone launisch is to say they are 'moody'. It suggests a lack of emotional stability in the short term. One moment they might be cheerful and cooperative, and the next, they are irritable or withdrawn for no apparent external reason.

Sei heute vorsichtig mit dem Chef; er ist extrem launisch, weil das Projekt verzögert wurde.

Translation: Be careful with the boss today; he is extremely moody because the project was delayed.

Beyond describing human behavior, launisch is famously applied to inanimate things that behave unpredictably, most notably the weather. In Germany, the phrase das launische Aprilwetter is a cultural staple, referring to the month of April when it might be sunny one minute and snowing the next. This metaphorical use highlights the element of 'unpredictability' that is central to the word's definition.

Social Contexts: In social settings, calling a friend launisch can be a gentle critique or a serious complaint. In professional settings, it is a significant criticism, as it implies unreliability. If a machine or a computer program is described as launisch, it means it works sporadically or has 'glitches' that appear and disappear without a clear cause.

Meine alte Kaffeemaschine ist sehr launisch; manchmal macht sie perfekten Espresso, manchmal nur heißes Wasser.

Psychologically, the word touches upon the concept of emotional lability. While 'moody' is the closest English equivalent, launisch can also lean towards 'capricious' or 'temperamental'. It is a word that requires a certain level of familiarity; you wouldn't typically call a stranger launisch to their face unless you intended to be confrontational. Instead, it is used behind the scenes to explain someone's difficult behavior to others.

The Etymological Link: The noun Laune stems from the Latin luna (moon). Historically, people believed the moon's phases influenced human emotions and sanity (similar to the English 'lunacy'). Thus, being launisch literally connects one's changing moods to the changing phases of the moon.

Künstler werden oft als launisch dargestellt, da ihre Kreativität von ihren Emotionen abhängt.

In summary, launisch is the go-to word for anything that doesn't stay in one emotional or functional state for long. Whether it's a teenager, a diva, a broken printer, or a rainy day in April, if the behavior is unpredictable and driven by internal 'moods', launisch is the adjective you need.

Using launisch correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective and how it interacts with German grammar rules, such as adjective endings and its position within a sentence. It can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'to be') or attributively (before a noun).

Predicative Use (The Easiest Way): When used with verbs like sein (to be) or werden (to become), the adjective does not change its ending. This is the most common way learners use the word to describe someone's current state.

Warum bist du heute so launisch? Hast du schlecht geschlafen?

Why are you so moody today? Did you sleep poorly?

In this example, launisch remains in its base form. You can modify the intensity with adverbs like sehr (very), extrem (extremely), etwas (somewhat), or unerträglich (unbearably).

Attributive Use (Adjective Endings): When you place launisch directly before a noun, you must apply the correct case, gender, and number endings. This is essential for describing a 'moody person' or 'moody weather'.

Ein launischer Mensch ist oft schwer zu verstehen.

A moody person is often hard to understand. (Masculine Nominative ending -er)

Wegen der launischen Diva mussten wir die Proben abbrechen.

Because of the moody diva, we had to cancel the rehearsals. (Feminine Genitive/Dative ending -en)

You can also use launisch in comparisons. The comparative form is launischer (moodier) and the superlative is am launischsten (moodiest).

Niemand ist launischer als eine Katze, die Hunger hat.

Nobody is moodier than a cat that is hungry.

Common Sentence Patterns: 1. [Subject] + [sein/werden] + [launisch].
2. [Adverb] + [launisch] + [Noun].
3. [Preposition] + [launisch] + [Noun].

When speaking about the weather, you will often hear it used with the impersonal 'es' or with the specific weather noun. For example: 'Das Wetter ist heute sehr launisch.' or 'Es ist ein launischer Tag.' This implies that the sun might be out now, but clouds are coming soon.

Finally, launisch can be used to describe the tone of a piece of art or music if it shifts abruptly in mood. However, this is less common than describing people or the weather. In professional writing, you might use it to describe a 'launische Börse' (a volatile or moody stock market), though 'volatil' is more technical.

The word launisch is a staple of everyday German conversation. It sits comfortably between the informal and formal registers, making it suitable for a wide range of situations. You will encounter it in family discussions, workplace gossip, weather reports, and even literary descriptions.

In the Family and Friend Circle: This is where you'll hear it most. Parents might describe their teenagers as launisch due to puberty. Partners might use it to describe each other after a long, stressful day. It is often used to explain away someone's irritability.

„Lass ihn einfach in Ruhe, er ist heute wieder total launisch.“

'Just leave him alone, he's totally moody again today.'

In the workplace, launisch is a common way to describe a difficult colleague or superior. It's the kind of word whispered by the coffee machine. 'The boss is very launisch today' serves as a warning to others to keep their heads down.

In Media and News: Weather presenters love this word. In the spring, you'll hear them talk about launischer April or launisches Frühlingswetter. It adds a bit of personality to the forecast. You might also see it in entertainment news, where 'launische Stars' (moody stars) are a frequent topic of tabloids like 'Bild' or 'Gala'.

„Nach einem sonnigen Vormittag zeigt sich das Wetter am Nachmittag von seiner launischen Seite.“

'After a sunny morning, the weather shows its moody side in the afternoon.'

In literature, launisch is used to add depth to characters. A character who is launisch is often seen as complex, romantic, or troubled. For example, in classic German novellas, a 'launische Muse' might be the source of both inspiration and despair for a poet.

Pop Culture and Music: German pop songs often deal with the themes of love and emotional instability. You might hear lyrics about a launische Liebe (moody love) or a partner who is launisch wie das Meer (moody like the sea). This metaphorical comparison to the sea is very common in German poetry and song.

„Du bist so launisch wie der Wind, niemand weiß, wohin du wehst.“

Finally, in the tech world, if a German developer says, 'Der Server ist heute etwas launisch,' they mean it's being temperamental or unreliable. It's a way of personifying technology to express frustration with intermittent errors.

While launisch is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers and even advanced learners often make specific mistakes in its usage, meaning, and grammatical application. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you sound more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'launisch' with 'schlecht gelaunt': This is the most frequent error. If someone is currently in a bad mood, they are schlecht gelaunt. If you say they are launisch, you are saying their mood is changing or that they are prone to bad moods. Schlecht gelaunt is a state; launisch is a characteristic or a behavior of shifting states.

Falsch: Ich bin launisch, weil ich meinen Kaffee nicht hatte.
Richtig: Ich bin schlecht gelaunt, weil ich meinen Kaffee nicht hatte.

In the 'incorrect' example, using launisch suggests your personality is changing rapidly, rather than just being grumpy because you're tired.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for 'Funny': In some languages, words derived from 'mood' can mean 'funny' or 'humorous' (like the English 'humorous' itself). In German, launisch never means funny. If you want to say something is funny or witty, use lustig, witzig, or humorvoll. A launige Rede (an related but different word) can mean a witty speech, but launisch is almost always negative.

Mistake 3: Adjective Ending Errors: Learners often forget to decline launisch when it precedes a noun. Because it ends in '-isch', it might feel like it doesn't need an ending, but it follows the same rules as 'gut' or 'schlecht'.

Falsch: Das ist ein launisch Hund.
Richtig: Das ist ein launischer Hund.

Finally, don't confuse launisch with emotional. Someone can be very emotional (showing a lot of feelings) without being launisch (changing their feelings rapidly). Launisch specifically targets the instability of the mood, not the depth of the emotion itself.

German is a language of precision, and there are many words that overlap with launisch. Choosing the right one depends on the specific nuance you want to convey—whether you're talking about a person's character, their current state, or the volatility of a situation.

Wankelmütig vs. Launisch: Wankelmütig is more about indecisiveness and changing one's mind or loyalty. Launisch is about changing one's emotional state. A wankelmütiger politician changes their opinion; a launischer politician is grumpy in the morning and happy in the afternoon.

Er ist so wankelmütig, dass er sich nie für ein Restaurant entscheiden kann.

Reizbar and Jähzornig: If someone is specifically prone to getting angry quickly, reizbar (irritable) or jähzornig (hot-tempered) are better choices. Launisch is broader and can include bouts of sadness or silence, not just anger.

Kapriziös: Derived from the French 'capricieux', this word is used for someone whose moods are not just changing, but are also demanding or eccentric. It is often used to describe artists, fashion icons, or 'divas'. It sounds more sophisticated than launisch.

When talking about the weather or stock markets, unbeständig (unstable/variable) is a very common alternative. It is more objective and less personified than launisch. If a weather forecast says 'unbeständiges Wetter', it is a technical prediction. If it says 'launisches Wetter', it's more descriptive and evocative.

Quick Comparison Table

Launisch: General moodiness, emotional ups and downs.
Schlecht gelaunt: Currently in a bad mood (temporary).
Wankelmütig: Changing opinions or decisions.
Unbeständig: Unstable, used for weather or data.
Kapriziös: Whimsical, demanding, sophisticated moodiness.

In informal slang, you might hear someone say someone is zickig. While zickig (bitchy/cranky) implies moodiness, it is much more aggressive and usually gendered (though used for men too nowadays). Launisch is a safer, more descriptive word to use in mixed company.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because of its connection to 'luna', 'launisch' is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'lunatic'. While 'lunatic' evolved to mean 'insane', 'launisch' stayed closer to the idea of 'changing like the moon'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈlaʊ̯nɪʃ/

US /ˈlaʊ̯nɪʃ/

The stress is on the first syllable: LAU-nisch.

Rhymes With

braunisch (rare) faunisch erstaunlich (near rhyme) clownisch zaunisch flaunisch raumisch (rare) schaumisch (rare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'au' like 'oh' or 'ah'. It must be a diphthong.
Pronouncing the 'sch' too harshly like 'sh' in 'shut'. In standard German, it is a standard 'sch' sound, but sometimes learners confuse it with the 'ch' in 'ich'.
Stressing the second syllable (lau-NISCH), which is incorrect.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though adjective endings can be tricky.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of adjective declension and correct context.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but it's often confused with 'schlecht gelaunt'.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used in daily speech and weather reports; easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

die Laune gut schlecht das Wetter sein

Learn Next

wankelmütig reizbar ausgeglichen die Stimmung unberechenbar

Advanced

stimmungslabil kapriziös die Affektlabilität der Wankelmut die Gemütsverfassung

Grammar to Know

Adjective Declension (Attributive)

Ein launisch-er Mann (Masculine Nominative).

Comparison of Adjectives

launisch -> launischer -> am launischsten.

Adverbial usage of adjectives

Er reagiert launisch (No ending change when modifying a verb).

Adjectives ending in -isch

Follow regular declension rules (e.g., spanisch, launisch, kritisch).

Word formation with -isch

Noun (Laune) + -isch = Adjective (launisch).

Examples by Level

Ich bin heute ein bisschen launisch.

I am a bit moody today.

Predicative use, no ending.

Bist du oft launisch?

Are you often moody?

Question form.

Mein Bruder ist sehr launisch.

My brother is very moody.

Using 'sehr' as a modifier.

Das Wetter ist heute launisch.

The weather is moody today.

Describing weather.

Sie ist nicht launisch.

She is not moody.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Warum ist der Hund so launisch?

Why is the dog so moody?

Question with 'warum'.

Heute bin ich nicht launisch.

Today I am not moody.

Time element 'heute' at the start.

Ist der Lehrer launisch?

Is the teacher moody?

Inversion for question.

Wir haben heute sehr launisches Wetter.

We have very moody weather today.

Attributive use, neuter accusative ending -es.

Ein launischer Mensch hat viele Probleme.

A moody person has many problems.

Masculine nominative ending -er.

Meine Katze ist launischer als mein Hund.

My cat is moodier than my dog.

Comparative form 'launischer'.

Ich mag keine launischen Leute.

I don't like moody people.

Plural accusative ending -en.

Gestern war er extrem launisch.

Yesterday he was extremely moody.

Past tense with 'war'.

Wegen des launischen Wetters bleiben wir hier.

Because of the moody weather, we are staying here.

Genitive case after 'wegen'.

Bist du immer so launisch am Morgen?

Are you always so moody in the morning?

Time phrase 'am Morgen'.

Sie wurde plötzlich sehr launisch.

She suddenly became very moody.

Verb 'werden' (to become).

Ich kann mit launischen Kollegen nicht gut arbeiten.

I can't work well with moody colleagues.

Dative plural ending -en.

Das launische Kind wollte sein Spielzeug nicht teilen.

The moody child didn't want to share its toy.

Neuter nominative with definite article -e.

Manchmal ist das Glück sehr launisch.

Sometimes luck is very moody (fickle).

Abstract use of the word.

Sie ist die launischste Person, die ich kenne.

She is the moodiest person I know.

Superlative form 'launischste'.

Trotz seiner launischen Art ist er ein guter Freund.

Despite his moody nature, he is a good friend.

Genitive case after 'trotz'.

Ich hasse dieses launische Aprilwetter in Deutschland.

I hate this moody April weather in Germany.

Attributive use with demonstrative pronoun.

Er reagiert oft launisch auf Kritik.

He often reacts moodily to criticism.

Adverbial use (same form as adjective).

Warum ist deine Schwester heute so unerträglich launisch?

Why is your sister so unbearably moody today?

Adverb 'unerträglich' modifying 'launisch'.

Die launische Diva verließ mitten in der Vorstellung die Bühne.

The moody diva left the stage in the middle of the performance.

Subject in a complex sentence.

In der Pubertät sind viele Jugendliche extrem launisch.

During puberty, many teenagers are extremely moody.

Prepositional phrase 'In der Pubertät'.

Die Börse reagierte launisch auf die politischen Nachrichten.

The stock market reacted moodily (volatily) to the political news.

Metaphorical use for markets.

Es ist schwierig, eine Beziehung mit einem launischen Partner zu führen.

It is difficult to maintain a relationship with a moody partner.

Dative masculine ending -en.

Seine launischen Bemerkungen verletzten ihre Gefühle.

His moody remarks hurt her feelings.

Plural nominative ending -en.

Das Meer kann manchmal sehr launisch und gefährlich sein.

The sea can sometimes be very moody and dangerous.

Describing nature.

Sie versucht, ihre launische Seite zu kontrollieren.

She is trying to control her moody side.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Durch seine launische Art hat er viele Freunde verloren.

Through his moody nature, he has lost many friends.

Preposition 'durch' with accusative.

Die launische Natur des Genies wird oft romantisiert.

The moody nature of the genius is often romanticized.

Genitive construction.

Künstler gelten seit jeher als besonders launische Zeitgenossen.

Artists have always been considered particularly moody contemporaries.

Advanced vocabulary 'Zeitgenossen'.

Die launische Kritik der Presse machte dem Autor zu schaffen.

The moody (unpredictable) criticism from the press troubled the author.

Idiom 'jemandem zu schaffen machen'.

Es bedarf viel Geduld, um mit solch launischen Charakteren umzugehen.

It requires a lot of patience to deal with such moody characters.

Verb 'bedürfen' with genitive.

Ihre launischen Stimmungsschwankungen sind medizinisch bedenklich.

Her moody mood swings are medically concerning.

Compound noun 'Stimmungsschwankungen'.

Der Film thematisiert die launische Beziehung zweier Liebender.

The film explores the moody relationship of two lovers.

Verb 'thematisieren'.

Er verbirgt seine launische Ader hinter einer Maske der Höflichkeit.

He hides his moody streak behind a mask of politeness.

Metaphor 'launische Ader'.

Die launische Pracht des Herbstes verzaubert die Wanderer.

The moody (changing) splendor of autumn enchants the hikers.

Poetic use.

Die launische Unberechenbarkeit des Schicksals ist ein zentrales Thema der Tragödie.

The moody unpredictability of fate is a central theme of tragedy.

Abstract philosophical subject.

In seinem Spätwerk widmet sich der Dichter der launischen Vergänglichkeit des Seins.

In his late work, the poet dedicates himself to the moody transience of being.

High-level literary German.

Die launische Dynamik der Weltwirtschaft lässt sich kaum prognostizieren.

The moody dynamics of the global economy can hardly be predicted.

Passive voice with 'lässt sich'.

Man warf dem Monarchen eine launische Regierungsführung vor.

The monarch was accused of moody (capricious) governance.

Dative object with 'vorwerfen'.

Die launische Ästhetik des Barock spiegelt sich in dieser Architektur wider.

The moody (whimsical) aesthetics of the Baroque are reflected in this architecture.

Separable verb 'widerspiegeln'.

Seine launische Rhetorik schwankte zwischen Aggression und Melancholie.

His moody rhetoric fluctuated between aggression and melancholy.

Sophisticated nouns 'Rhetorik', 'Melancholie'.

Die launische Gunst des Publikums ist für jeden Künstler ein Wagnis.

The moody favor of the audience is a risk for every artist.

Concept of 'Gunst' (favor).

Eine launische Laune der Natur brachte diese seltene Blume hervor.

A moody whim of nature produced this rare flower.

Tautological play on 'launisch/Laune'.

Common Collocations

launisches Wetter

extrem launisch

launische Diva

launischer Mensch

etwas launisch sein

launische Börse

unerträglich launisch

launische Natur

launischer April

plötzlich launisch werden

Common Phrases

Launisch wie das Wetter

— As moody/unpredictable as the weather. Used to describe someone's shifting temperament.

Du bist heute wieder launisch wie das Wetter.

Ein launisches Früchtchen

— A cheeky/moody little thing. Often used for children or teenagers in a slightly teasing way.

Unsere Tochter ist ein echtes launisches Früchtchen geworden.

Launisch sein wie eine Primadonna

— To be as moody as a prima donna. Refers to demanding and temperamental behavior.

Der neue Star ist launisch wie eine Primadonna.

Vom Glück launisch begünstigt

— Fickly favored by luck. Implies that success is temporary and unpredictable.

Er wurde vom Glück nur launisch begünstigt.

Launische Phasen haben

— To have moody phases. Implies that the behavior is not constant.

In der Pubertät hat jeder launische Phasen.

Den launischen Chef besänftigen

— To appease the moody boss. A common workplace goal.

Wir müssen versuchen, den launischen Chef zu besänftigen.

Launische Reaktionen zeigen

— To show moody reactions. Describing behavior in a neutral way.

Er zeigte gestern sehr launische Reaktionen auf unsere Fragen.

Launisch reagieren

— To react in a moody or irritable manner.

Sie reagierte launisch auf den Vorschlag.

Sich von seiner launischen Seite zeigen

— To show one's moody side. Often used for weather or people.

Der Sommer zeigt sich heute von seiner launischen Seite.

Die launische Muse

— The moody muse. Refers to the unpredictable nature of artistic inspiration.

Die launische Muse küsst ihn nicht jeden Tag.

Often Confused With

launisch vs launig

Means witty, humorous, or cheerful. 'Eine launige Rede' is a good thing; 'eine launische Rede' would be an unpredictable, possibly angry one.

launisch vs schlecht gelaunt

Means currently in a bad mood. 'Launisch' means the mood changes frequently or is a character trait.

launisch vs lustig

Means funny. Learners sometimes think 'launisch' comes from 'funny' because of the English 'humorous', but it doesn't.

Idioms & Expressions

"Mit dem falschen Fuß aufgestanden sein"

— To have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. Explains why someone is 'launisch'.

Ist er heute launisch? Ja, er ist wohl mit dem falschen Fuß aufgestanden.

Informal

"Eine Laus über die Leber gelaufen sein"

— Something bit/bothered someone. Used when someone is suddenly moody or grumpy.

Ihm ist wohl eine Laus über die Leber gelaufen, so launisch wie er ist.

Informal

"Das Fähnchen nach dem Wind hängen"

— To change one's opinion based on the current situation. Related to being 'wankelmütig'.

Er ist launisch und hängt sein Fähnchen immer nach dem Wind.

Neutral

"Himmelhoch jauchzend, zu Tode betrübt"

— In seventh heaven, then deathly sorrowful. Perfectly describes an extreme 'launisch' state.

Sie ist sehr launisch: heute himmelhoch jauchzend, morgen zu Tode betrübt.

Literary

"Gute Miene zum bösen Spiel machen"

— To put on a brave face. What one does when dealing with a 'launisch' person.

Trotz seines launischen Verhaltens machte sie gute Miene zum bösen Spiel.

Neutral

"Jemandem den Tag vermiesen"

— To spoil someone's day. A result of someone being very 'launisch'.

Sein launischer Auftritt hat uns allen den Tag vermiest.

Informal

"Aus der Haut fahren"

— To jump out of one's skin (to explode with anger). A 'launisch' person might do this easily.

Er ist so launisch, dass er bei jeder Kleinigkeit aus der Haut fährt.

Informal

"Die Fassung verlieren"

— To lose one's composure. A sign of being 'launisch' or 'stimmungslabil'.

Die launische Zeugin verlor während der Befragung die Fassung.

Formal

"Wie ausgewechselt sein"

— To be like a different person. Describes the sudden shift in a 'launisch' person.

Eben war er noch fröhlich, jetzt ist er wie ausgewechselt und total launisch.

Informal

"Sich wie eine offene Hose benehmen"

— To behave very badly/rudely. Often said of someone being 'launisch' and disrespectful.

Er war heute wieder launisch und hat sich wie eine offene Hose benommen.

Very Informal

Easily Confused

launisch vs launig

Similar spelling and root (Laune).

Launig is positive (witty/humorous), launisch is negative (moody).

Er hielt eine launige (witty) Rede, obwohl er eigentlich ein launischer (moody) Mensch ist.

launisch vs wankelmütig

Both imply changeability.

Wankelmütig is about decisions/opinions; launisch is about emotions/mood.

Er ist wankelmütig bei der Wahl seines Jobs, aber launisch in seinem Privatleben.

launisch vs unbeständig

Both mean 'unstable'.

Unbeständig is more objective/technical (weather/data); launisch is more personal/personified.

Das Wetter ist unbeständig (technical) / launisch (descriptive).

launisch vs reizbar

Moody people are often irritable.

Reizbar specifically means easily angered; launisch can also mean being sad or silent.

Wenn er Hunger hat, wird er reizbar und launisch.

launisch vs emotional

Both involve strong feelings.

Emotional refers to the depth of feeling; launisch refers to the frequency of change in feeling.

Sie ist eine emotionale Frau, aber zum Glück nicht launisch.

Sentence Patterns

Ich bin [Adverb] launisch.

Ich bin heute launisch.

Das Wetter ist [Adjective] und launisch.

Das Wetter ist kalt und launisch.

Trotz [Genitive Noun] ist er launisch.

Trotz des Erfolgs ist er launisch.

Er ist [Comparative] als ich.

Er ist launischer als ich.

Es ist schwer, mit [Dative Adjective] Menschen zu arbeiten.

Es ist schwer, mit launischen Menschen zu arbeiten.

Sie wurde [Adverb] launisch.

Sie wurde plötzlich launisch.

Seine [Noun] ist von [Adjective] Natur.

Seine Kritik ist von launischer Natur.

Die [Noun] spiegelt die [Adjective] Seele wider.

Die Musik spiegelt die launische Seele wider.

Word Family

Nouns

die Laune (mood)

die Launigkeit (moodiness)

die Misslaune (bad mood)

die Launenhaftigkeit (capriciousness)

Verbs

gelaunt sein (to be in a mood)

verlaunen (archaic: to pass time in a certain mood)

Adjectives

launig (witty/humorous)

misslaunig (grumpy)

gutgelaunt (in a good mood)

schlechtgelaunt (in a bad mood)

Stimmung (atmosphere/mood)

Gemütszustand (state of mind)

Aprilwetter (April weather)

Wankelmut (fickleness)

Luna (moon - Latin root)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in spring and in interpersonal conflicts.

Common Mistakes

Ich bin launisch (when you mean you're just sad). → Ich bin traurig.
Launisch implies a change or a temperamental nature, not just a single emotion.
Ein launisch Mann. → Ein launischer Mann.
Adjectives before nouns need endings.
Using 'launisch' for 'funny'. → Lustig / Witzig / Launig.
Launisch is moody; launig is witty.
Er ist launisch gelaunt. → Er ist launisch. / Er ist schlecht gelaunt.
You don't combine 'launisch' with 'gelaunt'. Choose one or the other.
Confusing 'launisch' with 'emotional'. → Sie ist sehr emotional.
Emotional is about depth; launisch is about changeability.

Tips

Adjective Endings

Don't forget the endings when 'launisch' is before a noun. 'Ein launischER Hund', 'Eine launischE Katze', 'Ein launischES Kind'.

Launig vs. Launisch

Remember: 'Launig' = Good (witty). 'Launisch' = Bad (moody). This is the most important distinction for advanced learners.

Aprilwetter

Use 'launisch' when talking about the weather in April to sound like a native. It's a classic German conversation topic.

Softening

If you want to be polite, use 'ein wenig' or 'ein bisschen' before 'launisch'. It makes the criticism less harsh.

Beyond People

Apply 'launisch' to machines, markets, or the sea to expand your expressive range in German.

Luna Connection

Associate 'launisch' with 'Luna' (the moon). Moods change like moon phases. This helps you remember the meaning and the root 'Laune'.

Character Building

In stories, use 'launisch' to describe a character's internal conflict. It's more descriptive than just saying they are 'böse' (evil) or 'traurig' (sad).

Tone Matters

Listen for the speaker's tone. 'Launisch' can be used jokingly among friends or very seriously in a workplace setting.

Better than 'Schlecht'

Instead of saying someone is 'schlecht' (bad), use 'launisch' to be more specific about *how* they are being difficult.

Morgenmuffel

A 'Morgenmuffel' is someone who is 'launisch' in the morning. These two words go hand-in-hand in German culture.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'LAU-nisch' as 'LOUD-nisch'. A moody person might suddenly get LOUD for no reason. Or connect it to 'Luna' and imagine someone's mood changing with the moon.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing under a moon that is rapidly changing from a crescent to a full moon, while the person's face changes from a smile to a frown.

Word Web

Laune Wetter Charakter Wechselhaft Mond Gefühl Stimmung April

Challenge

Try to describe three things in your house that are 'launisch'. For example, an old toaster, a cat, or a radiator that makes noise sporadically.

Word Origin

The word 'launisch' is derived from the German noun 'Laune', which entered the language in the 16th century from the Latin 'luna' (moon).

Original meaning: Originally, 'Laune' referred to the phases of the moon, which were believed to influence the 'humors' or bodily fluids of humans, thereby affecting their mental state.

Germanic (German), with Latin roots (Luna).

Cultural Context

Avoid calling a superior 'launisch' to their face, as it implies they are unprofessional and lack emotional control.

The English 'moody' is the perfect equivalent, but 'launisch' can sometimes feel slightly more formal or descriptive of a character trait rather than just a temporary state.

Aprilwetter (Cultural trope in Germany) The character of Werther in Goethe's 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' (often described as launisch/stimmungslabil) Beethoven (historically often described as a launisches Genie)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

launisches Aprilwetter
Das Wetter ist heute launisch.
wechselhafte und launische Bedingungen
von seiner launischen Seite zeigen

Workplace

ein launischer Vorgesetzter
launische Kollegen
unberechenbar und launisch sein
professionell trotz launischer Stimmung bleiben

Relationships

eine launische Partnerin
Warum bist du so launisch?
launische Phasen in der Beziehung
mit Launigkeit umgehen

Art & Literature

das launische Genie
eine launische Muse
die launische Natur der Kunst
ein launischer Charakter

Finances/Markets

eine launische Börse
launische Märkte
unvorhersehbare und launische Kurse
launische Anleger

Conversation Starters

"Findest du, dass das Wetter in dieser Stadt sehr launisch ist?"

"Warst du als Teenager auch so launisch wie die Jugendlichen heute?"

"Wie gehst du damit um, wenn dein Chef sehr launisch ist?"

"Glaubst du, dass Künstler launischer sein müssen als andere Menschen?"

"Bist du eher ein ausgeglichener oder ein launischer Mensch?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du selbst sehr launisch warst. Was war der Grund dafür?

Reflektiere über das 'launische Aprilwetter'. Magst du die Abwechslung oder nervt sie dich?

Wie beeinflusst ein launischer Mensch die Stimmung in einer ganzen Gruppe oder Familie?

Schreibe über eine fiktive Person, die extrem launisch ist. Wie reagieren die anderen Charaktere?

Ist 'launisch sein' eine Schwäche oder einfach ein Teil der menschlichen Natur? Begründe deine Meinung.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, yes. Calling someone 'launisch' implies they are difficult to deal with because you never know what mood they will be in. However, when applied to the weather or art, it can just be a vivid description of variety and unpredictability without a strong moral judgment.

Yes, it is common to personify technology in German. If your computer works only sometimes or crashes for no reason, you can say: 'Mein Computer ist heute echt launisch.' This sounds very natural and idiomatic.

They are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Launenhaft' can feel slightly more formal or suggest a more permanent character trait, whereas 'launisch' is more common in daily speech for both temporary states and character traits.

No. This is a common mistake for English speakers. 'Launisch' means moody. If you want to say someone is witty or in a humorous mood, use 'launig' (rare) or 'lustig' (common).

You wouldn't say it that way in German. You would simply say 'Ich bin launisch' or 'Ich habe heute schlechte Laune' (I am in a bad mood).

Yes, it is completely gender-neutral. You can use it for anyone: 'der launische Mann', 'die launische Frau', 'das launische Kind'.

The best opposite is 'ausgeglichen' (balanced/even-tempered). Other options are 'beständig' (constant) or 'stabil' (stable).

Because in Germany, April is famous for having sun, rain, snow, and wind all in one day. This unpredictability is perfectly described by 'launisch'.

It's unusual. You usually use it for things that *behave* or *feel*, not static properties like color. However, you might use it poetically to describe a color that seems to change in different lights.

Yes, it is typically introduced at the B1 level because it moves beyond basic emotions (happy/sad) into more nuanced character descriptions and metaphorical uses.