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A1 adjective #400 most common 11 min read

schlecht

Top 400

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips schlecht in 30 Seconds

Explanation schlecht in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'schlecht' is primarily used to describe simple negative qualities of objects, weather, or feelings. You learn it as the direct opposite of 'gut'. You use it in basic sentences like 'Das Wetter ist schlecht' or 'Das Essen schmeckt schlecht'. A key focus at this level is the phrase 'Mir ist schlecht' to express nausea, which introduces the concept of the dative case for personal feelings. You also begin to see how 'schlecht' changes when placed before a noun, such as 'ein schlechter Tag'. The goal is to use 'schlecht' to provide basic evaluations of your surroundings and your immediate physical state. You should be able to distinguish between 'schlecht' (bad) and 'kaputt' (broken), as beginners often confuse the two when talking about objects. At A1, you don't need to worry about complex nuances, just the core meaning of 'not good' or 'poor quality'. Practice using it with 'sein' (to be) and 'finden' (to find/think), as in 'Ich finde den Film schlecht'.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'schlecht' to include more social and everyday contexts. You start using it to describe skills and performance, such as 'Er spricht schlecht Deutsch' or 'Sie spielt schlecht Tennis'. You also learn the comparative and superlative forms: 'schlechter' and 'am schlechtesten'. This allows you to make comparisons, which is a key skill at this level. You might say, 'Heute ist das Wetter schlechter als gestern'. You also become more comfortable with adjective endings in different cases (nominative, accusative, and dative). For example, 'Ich habe eine schlechte Nachricht für dich' (accusative). You begin to see 'schlecht' in common phrases like 'schlechte Laune haben' (to be in a bad mood). The focus shifts from just identifying 'bad' things to describing how things are getting worse or identifying the 'worst' option in a group. You also start to differentiate 'schlecht' from 'schlimm' in basic contexts, though this remains a challenge for many.

By B1, you use 'schlecht' in more abstract and professional contexts. You can talk about 'schlechte Arbeitsbedingungen' (bad working conditions) or 'eine schlechte Wirtschaftslage' (a bad economic situation). You understand that 'schlecht' can function as an adverb without any changes, as in 'Das Projekt ist schlecht gelaufen'. You also encounter more idiomatic uses, such as 'schlecht beraten sein' (to be ill-advised) or 'jemandem wird schlecht' (someone is becoming nauseous). At this level, you are expected to handle adjective endings with higher accuracy, including the genitive case ('wegen schlechten Wetters'). You also start to replace 'schlecht' with more specific synonyms like 'mangelhaft' or 'unangenehm' to make your language more precise. You understand the nuance of 'nicht schlecht' as a form of praise. Your ability to use 'schlecht' in subordinate clauses ('Ich habe gehört, dass es ihm schlecht geht') becomes more fluid, reflecting your growing grasp of German sentence structure.

At the B2 level, 'schlecht' is used to express subtle nuances and complex evaluations. You might use it to describe a 'schlechte Ausrede' (a poor excuse) or 'schlechte Karten haben' (to have bad cards/odds). You are aware of the register and can choose between 'schlecht' and more formal terms like 'unzureichend' (insufficient) or 'suboptimal'. You can discuss moral issues using 'schlecht' in a more philosophical sense, though 'verwerflich' might be used for more serious moral failings. You also master the use of 'schlecht' as a qualifier meaning 'hardly' or 'with difficulty', such as 'Das lässt sich schlecht vereinbaren' (That is hard to reconcile). Your use of the word is now integrated into a wide range of idiomatic expressions and you can use it to add emphasis or color to your speech. You also understand how 'schlecht' can be used ironically or in understatements, which is a hallmark of advanced proficiency.

At the C1 level, you use 'schlecht' with complete stylistic control. You recognize its role in literature and high-level journalism. You might encounter it in complex compounds or as part of sophisticated rhetorical devices. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it relates to words like 'schlicht' (simple/plain). You can analyze the use of 'schlecht' in different dialects or sociolects. At this level, 'schlecht' is often passed over for more evocative or precise vocabulary, but you know exactly when the simplicity of 'schlecht' is more powerful than a complex synonym. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like 'schlechte Vorzeichen' (bad omens) or 'schlechte Angewohnheiten' (bad habits) with a deep understanding of the cultural connotations. Your mastery of adjective declension is flawless, even in the most obscure grammatical constructions. You can also use 'schlecht' to critique arguments or theories in an academic setting, often pairing it with adverbs like 'strukturell' or 'inhaltlich' (e.g., 'inhaltlich schlecht begründet').

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'schlecht' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You appreciate the word's versatility across all domains of life, from the most mundane to the most intellectual. You can use 'schlecht' to convey sarcasm, empathy, or clinical detachment. You are familiar with its use in classical German literature (e.g., Goethe or Schiller) and how its meaning has shifted slightly over the centuries. You can effortlessly navigate the transition between 'schlecht' and its most rare or specialized synonyms. You understand the psychological weight of the word in different contexts, such as the difference between a 'schlechter Mensch' and a 'böser Mensch' in a theological or philosophical debate. You can use 'schlecht' in creative writing to evoke specific moods or to ground a character's speech in a particular social class. Essentially, 'schlecht' is no longer a vocabulary word to be studied, but a flexible instrument in your linguistic repertoire that you play with absolute precision and ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

schlecht in 30 Seconds

Schlecht is the basic German word for 'bad', used for quality, weather, and general dissatisfaction.
To say you feel nauseous, use the dative phrase 'Mir ist schlecht' instead of 'Ich bin schlecht'.
It is a regular adjective that declines before nouns (e.g., ein schlechter Tag, eine schlechte Idee).
The comparative is 'schlechter' (worse) and the superlative is 'am schlechtesten' (the worst).

The German word schlecht is a fundamental adjective that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'bad' in English, but its utility spans a vast array of contexts, from describing the quality of an object to expressing physical illness or moral judgment. Understanding 'schlecht' requires looking beyond a simple dictionary definition and seeing how it functions as a versatile tool for evaluation.

Quality and Performance: When an object is poorly made or a service is unsatisfactory, 'schlecht' is the go-to word. For example, a movie with a weak plot is 'ein schlechter Film', and a car that breaks down frequently is 'ein schlechtes Auto'. It implies a failure to meet a certain standard of excellence or functionality.

Das Wetter heute ist wirklich schlecht; es regnet ununterbrochen.

Physical Health and Nausea: A critical idiomatic use of 'schlecht' involves the dative case to express nausea. If you say 'Mir ist schlecht', you are telling someone that you feel sick to your stomach. This is distinct from 'Ich bin schlecht', which would imply you are a bad person or bad at a task. This distinction is a common hurdle for English speakers who are used to saying 'I feel bad'.

Nach der langen Achterbahnfahrt war mir extrem schlecht.

Furthermore, 'schlecht' is used to describe food that has gone off. If milk is 'schlecht', it is spoiled and no longer safe to drink. In a moral sense, while 'böse' is often used for 'evil', 'schlecht' can describe a person's character or a 'bad' deed in a more general, less intense way. It is the antithesis of 'gut' (good) and serves as the primary building block for negative evaluation in the German language.

Die Milch riecht komisch; ich glaube, sie ist schlecht geworden.

Social and Professional Contexts: In professional settings, 'schlecht' describes poor results, bad timing, or inadequate preparation. 'Ein schlechtes Timing' is a phrase used when something happens at an inconvenient moment. It is also used to describe a lack of skill: 'Er spielt schlecht Klavier' (He plays the piano badly).

Es war ein schlechter Zeitpunkt für ein Meeting.

Mein Großvater kann leider schon sehr schlecht hören.

Ultimately, 'schlecht' is a high-frequency word because it covers almost every scenario where 'good' is absent. Whether you are talking about the economy (die schlechte Wirtschaftslage), a bad mood (schlechte Laune), or a poorly executed plan, 'schlecht' provides the necessary descriptive power. Its simplicity at the A1 level belies a deep versatility that continues to be relevant through to C2 levels of proficiency.

Using 'schlecht' correctly in German requires an understanding of adjective declension and the distinction between predicative and attributive usage. Because it is a standard adjective, it follows the regular rules of German grammar, which can be tricky for beginners but become second nature with practice.

Predicative Use (No Endings): When 'schlecht' comes after a verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become) and describes the subject, it does not take any endings. This is the simplest way to use the word. For example, 'Das Essen ist schlecht' (The food is bad). Here, 'schlecht' remains in its base form regardless of the gender or number of the subject.

Die Noten meiner Schwester sind dieses Jahr leider schlecht.

Attributive Use (With Endings): When 'schlecht' is placed directly before a noun, it must decline based on the gender, case, and number of that noun, as well as the type of article (definite, indefinite, or none) preceding it. For instance, 'ein schlechter Tag' (masculine nominative), 'eine schlechte Nachricht' (feminine nominative), and 'ein schlechtes Ergebnis' (neuter nominative). Mastering these endings is crucial for sounding natural.

Er hat eine schlechte Angewohnheit, immer zu spät zu kommen.

Another important aspect is the comparative and superlative forms. The comparative of 'schlecht' is 'schlechter' (worse), and the superlative is 'am schlechtesten' (the worst). These are regular forms, making them easier to learn than their English counterparts. 'Dieses Buch ist schlechter als das andere' (This book is worse than the other). 'Das war der schlechteste Film, den ich je gesehen habe' (That was the worst movie I have ever seen).

Die Qualität der Produkte wird immer schlechter.

Adverbial Use: When used as an adverb to describe an action, 'schlecht' also remains in its base form. 'Er hat schlecht geschlafen' (He slept badly). In German, there is no distinction in form between the adjective 'bad' and the adverb 'badly' when used predicatively or adverbially, which simplifies things compared to English.

Ich kann heute schlecht arbeiten, weil es so laut ist.

Das lässt sich schlecht erklären.

Finally, consider the word order in subordinate clauses. If you say 'Ich finde, dass das Wetter schlecht ist', the verb 'ist' moves to the end, but 'schlecht' remains just before it. Understanding these structural nuances ensures that you can use 'schlecht' not just as a single word, but as a integrated part of complex German communication.

'Schlecht' is ubiquitous in German daily life. You will hear it in the supermarket, on the news, in casual conversations between friends, and in formal business reviews. Its frequency makes it one of the most 'real-world' words you can master.

The Weather Forecast: Germans love talking about the weather, and unfortunately, the weather is often 'schlecht'. In a 'Wetterbericht' (weather report), you might hear 'schlechtes Wetter' used to describe rain, gray skies, or storms. It is a standard term in meteorological contexts for unfavorable conditions.

Für das Wochenende ist leider schlechtes Wetter vorhergesagt.

Customer Reviews and Feedback: If you browse German Amazon or Yelp, you will see 'schlecht' everywhere. A 'schlechte Bewertung' (bad review) often starts with 'Die Qualität ist sehr schlecht' or 'Der Service war schlecht'. It is the primary way consumers express dissatisfaction with a product or experience.

Wow, dein neues Auto ist echt nicht schlecht!

In the workplace, 'schlecht' is used in performance reviews or economic discussions. You might hear about 'schlechte Zahlen' (bad numbers/results) or a 'schlechte Stimmung' (bad atmosphere/morale) in the office. It is a direct word, reflecting the German cultural tendency toward honesty and directness in professional feedback.

Wegen der schlechten Wirtschaftslage müssen wir sparen.

Health and Well-being: In a doctor's office or pharmacy, 'schlecht' is essential. Patients use it to describe their symptoms: 'Mir ist seit heute Morgen schlecht' (I've been feeling nauseous since this morning). Doctors might use it to describe a 'schlechte Durchblutung' (bad circulation) or 'schlechte Werte' (bad lab results).

Wenn dir schlecht ist, solltest du dich hinlegen.

Ich habe ein schlechtes Gewissen, weil ich sie angelogen habe.

From the 'Tagesschau' news program to a chat over coffee, 'schlecht' is the universal anchor for anything negative. Its presence in idiomatic expressions like 'schlecht gelaunt sein' (to be in a bad mood) or 'jemandem wird schlecht' (someone gets nauseous) makes it an indispensable part of the German linguistic landscape.

While 'schlecht' seems straightforward, it is a minefield for common errors, especially for English speakers. The most frequent mistakes involve confusing it with similar words, using the wrong case in health-related expressions, or applying incorrect adjective endings.

Schlecht vs. Schlimm: This is the most common confusion. 'Schlecht' usually refers to quality or health (low standard, nauseous). 'Schlimm' refers to the severity or consequence of a situation (bad, grave, serious). For example, a 'schlechter Film' is just a boring movie, but a 'schlimmer Unfall' is a serious accident. If you say 'Das ist schlecht', you mean it's of poor quality. If you say 'Das ist schlimm', you mean it's a tragedy or a serious problem.

Falsch: Das ist ein schlechter Unfall. (Correct: schlimmer Unfall)

'Ich bin schlecht' vs. 'Mir ist schlecht': English speakers often translate 'I feel bad' (nauseous) literally as 'Ich fühle mich schlecht' or 'Ich bin schlecht'. While 'Ich fühle mich schlecht' can work for general malaise, 'Ich bin schlecht' means 'I am a bad person' or 'I am bad at something'. To say you are nauseous, you MUST use the dative: 'Mir ist schlecht'. This is a classic 'false friend' structure that reveals a learner's level immediately.

Falsch: Ich bin schlecht. (Meaning: I am a bad person / I am bad at this)

Another mistake is the confusion between 'schlecht' and 'böse'. 'Böse' is used for 'evil' or 'angry'. If a child is 'schlecht', they might just be unskilled or poor quality (which sounds weird). If a child is 'böse', they are being naughty or mean. Using 'schlecht' for 'angry' is also a mistake; you should use 'sauer' or 'wütend'.

Falsch: Er ist schlecht auf mich. (Correct: Er ist böse/sauer auf mich)

Adjective Endings in the Genitive: Advanced learners often trip up on 'schlecht' in the genitive case. For example, 'trotz schlechten Wetters' (despite bad weather). Many forget the '-en' ending required for masculine and neuter nouns in the genitive when an article is missing or when using 'starke Deklination'.

Trotz schlechten Wetters sind wir spazieren gegangen.

Lastly, avoid overusing 'schlecht'. German has many specific words for 'bad'. If a meal is bad, you could say 'ungenießbar' (inedible). If a performance is bad, it might be 'mangelhaft' (deficient). Over-reliance on 'schlecht' can make your German sound repetitive and basic, even if it is grammatically correct. Learning synonyms is the key to moving from A2 to B1 and beyond.

To truly master German, you must know when to use 'schlecht' and when to reach for a more precise alternative. German is a language of nuance, and 'bad' can be expressed in dozens of ways depending on the context.

Schlimm vs. Schlecht: As mentioned before, 'schlimm' is about severity. 'Eine schlimme Krankheit' (a serious illness) vs. 'ein schlechter Arzt' (a bad doctor). Use 'schlimm' for things that cause worry or pain, and 'schlecht' for things that lack quality.

Das ist nicht so schlimm, wir können es reparieren.

Böse: Use 'böse' for 'evil' or 'mean'. A villain in a movie is 'böse'. If someone is 'böse auf dich', they are angry with you. 'Schlecht' is rarely used for anger.

Die böse Hexe im Märchen.

Mies and Übel: 'Mies' is an informal, more expressive way to say 'rotten' or 'lousy'. 'Ein mieses Gefühl' (a lousy feeling). 'Übel' is often used for nausea, similar to 'schlecht', but it can also mean 'evil' or 'nasty' in a more visceral way. 'Ein übler Geruch' (a foul smell).

Mir ist übel – ich muss an die frische Luft.

In academic or professional contexts, you might use 'mangelhaft' (deficient/insufficient), 'ungenügend' (unsatisfactory), or 'minderwertig' (inferior). These words carry more weight and specificity. For example, in the German grading system, 'mangelhaft' (5) and 'ungenügend' (6) are the two 'bad' grades.

Die Qualität der Rohstoffe war minderwertig.

Finally, 'katastrophal' or 'unterirdisch' (literally 'underground') are used for things that are exceptionally bad. If a performance was 'unterirdisch', it was so bad it was embarrassing. By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can express the exact degree and type of 'badness' you encounter in any situation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die Qualität der eingereichten Unterlagen ist unzureichend."

Neutral

"Das Wetter ist heute leider sehr schlecht."

Informal

"Der Film war echt mies."

Child friendly

"Das hast du nicht gut gemacht, das ist ein bisschen schlecht."

Slang

"Das ist ja mal voll unterirdisch!"

Fun Fact

It is related to the word 'schlicht' (simple). In the past, 'schlecht' could mean 'honest' or 'simple-hearted', but this positive connotation was lost as it became a general term for 'bad'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃlɛçt/

US /ʃlɛkt/

The stress is on the only syllable: schlecht.

Rhymes With

echt Recht Knecht Specht Hecht gefecht gerecht waagerecht

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k' (like 'shlekt').
Pronouncing 'ch' as 'sh' (like 'shlesht').
Making the 'e' too long (like 'shlaycht').
Not pronouncing the final 't' clearly.
Confusing the 'ich-laut' with the 'ach-laut' (the throatier 'ch' in 'Bach').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it's a core A1 word.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to adjective endings (declension).

Speaking 2/5

The 'ch' sound (ich-laut) can be difficult for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Clear and distinct sound, easy to pick up in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gut sein wetter essen mir

Learn Next

schlimm böse furchtbar schrecklich mies

Advanced

mangelhaft unzureichend verwerflich minderwertig suboptimal

Grammar to Know

Adjective Declension

Ein schlechter Tag (Masculine Nominative)

Dative for Feelings

Mir ist schlecht (I feel nauseous)

Comparative/Superlative

Schlechter / Am schlechtesten

Adverbial Usage

Er singt schlecht (He sings badly)

Genitive Case

Wegen schlechten Wetters (Due to bad weather)

Examples by Level

Das Wetter ist heute schlecht.

The weather is bad today.

Predicative use of 'schlecht' after 'ist' (no ending).

Mir ist schlecht.

I feel sick/nauseous.

Dative case 'mir' is used for feeling nauseous.

Das ist ein schlechter Film.

That is a bad movie.

Attributive use: masculine nominative ending '-er' after 'ein'.

Die Pizza schmeckt schlecht.

The pizza tastes bad.

Adverbial use describing the verb 'schmeckt'.

Ich habe eine schlechte Note.

I have a bad grade.

Feminine accusative ending '-e' after 'eine'.

Das ist ein schlechtes Auto.

That is a bad car.

Neuter nominative ending '-es' after 'ein'.

Er schläft heute schlecht.

He is sleeping badly today.

Adverbial use (no ending).

Die Milch ist schlecht.

The milk is spoiled/bad.

Used to describe food that is no longer fresh.

Heute ist das Wetter schlechter als gestern.

Today the weather is worse than yesterday.

Comparative form 'schlechter'.

Das war der schlechteste Tag meines Lebens.

That was the worst day of my life.

Superlative form 'der schlechteste'.

Er spielt wirklich schlecht Fußball.

He plays soccer really badly.

Adverbial use modifying 'spielt'.

Ich habe schlechte Laune.

I am in a bad mood.

Feminine accusative (no article, so '-e' ending).

Das ist eine schlechte Idee.

That is a bad idea.

Feminine nominative ending '-e' after 'eine'.

Die Qualität wird immer schlechter.

The quality is getting worse and worse.

Comparative 'schlechter' used with 'werden'.

Er kann schlecht hören.

He is hard of hearing.

Idiomatic use meaning 'with difficulty'.

Wir haben schlecht geplant.

We planned poorly.

Adverbial use in the Perfekt tense.

Wegen des schlechten Wetters bleiben wir zu Hause.

Because of the bad weather, we are staying home.

Genitive case: masculine/neuter ending '-en' after 'des'.

Mir wurde plötzlich ganz schlecht.

I suddenly felt very nauseous.

Dative 'mir' with 'wurde' (became).

Das Projekt ist leider schlecht gelaufen.

The project unfortunately went badly.

Adverbial use describing the process 'gelaufen'.

Er hat ein schlechtes Gewissen.

He has a guilty conscience.

Common idiom: 'schlechtes Gewissen'.

Das ist eine schlechte Nachricht für die Firma.

That is bad news for the company.

Feminine nominative with 'eine'.

Ich bin heute schlecht zu Fuß.

I'm having trouble walking today.

Idiomatic expression 'schlecht zu Fuß sein'.

Sie sind schlecht beraten.

You are ill-advised.

Passive-like construction with 'beraten'.

Das lässt sich schlecht ändern.

That can hardly be changed.

Use of 'schlecht' meaning 'hardly/difficult'.

Er hat bei dem Spiel schlechte Karten.

He has bad odds / is in a weak position.

Idiom: 'schlechte Karten haben'.

Die wirtschaftliche Lage ist denkbar schlecht.

The economic situation is as bad as can be imagined.

Use of 'denkbar' as an intensifier.

Es ist ein schlechtes Zeichen, dass er nicht anruft.

It's a bad sign that he isn't calling.

Noun phrase 'ein schlechtes Zeichen'.

Das ist eine schlechte Ausrede für dein Fehlen.

That's a poor excuse for your absence.

Abstract use of 'schlecht' for quality of an argument.

Mir ist schlecht vor lauter Aufregung.

I feel sick from all the excitement.

Dative construction with a causal 'vor'.

Die Luft hier drin ist extrem schlecht.

The air in here is extremely bad/stuffy.

Describing environmental quality.

Er hat einen schlechten Ruf in der Branche.

He has a bad reputation in the industry.

Masculine accusative 'einen schlechten Ruf'.

Man kann das Argument schlecht ignorieren.

One can hardly ignore the argument.

Adverbial use meaning 'with difficulty'.

Die strukturell schlechte Versorgung in ländlichen Gebieten ist ein Problem.

The structurally poor provision in rural areas is a problem.

Complex noun phrase with adverbial modifier 'strukturell'.

Es steht schlecht um seine Gesundheit.

His health is in a bad state.

Fixed expression 'es steht schlecht um etwas'.

Die Nachricht wurde nur schlecht aufgenommen.

The news was poorly received.

Passive construction with adverbial 'schlecht'.

Er ist ein schlechter Verlierer.

He is a sore loser.

Common character description.

Das ist ein schlechter Scherz auf Kosten der Opfer.

That is a bad joke at the expense of the victims.

Moral evaluation of a joke.

Die Bedingungen waren denkbar schlecht für eine Firmengründung.

The conditions were as bad as possible for starting a company.

Intensified predicative use.

Ich kann mich schlecht damit abfinden.

I can hardly come to terms with it.

Reflexive verb with 'schlecht' as 'hardly'.

Das Buch ist handwerklich schlecht gemacht.

The book is poorly crafted (technically).

Adverbial modifier 'handwerklich'.

In der schlechten Unendlichkeit des Seins verliert sich der Einzelne.

In the 'bad infinity' of being, the individual is lost.

Philosophical term (Hegelian 'schlechte Unendlichkeit').

Es ist ein schlechtes Omen für die kommenden Verhandlungen.

It is a bad omen for the upcoming negotiations.

Metaphorical/literary use.

Die rhetorisch schlecht kaschierte Absicht war offensichtlich.

The rhetorically poorly concealed intention was obvious.

Highly complex adjectival phrase.

Er ist schlechtweg der unfähigste Mitarbeiter.

He is simply/downright the most incompetent employee.

Use of 'schlechtweg' (simply/downright) related to 'schlecht'.

Die Qualität ist unterirdisch schlecht.

The quality is abysmally bad.

Hyperbolic colloquialism 'unterirdisch'.

Man darf das Kind nicht mit dem Bade ausschütten, nur weil ein Teil schlecht ist.

One shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater just because one part is bad.

Proverbial context.

Seine schlechte Laune färbte auf das gesamte Team ab.

His bad mood rubbed off on the entire team.

Metaphorical use of 'abfärben'.

Es wäre schlecht um unsere Kultur bestellt, wenn wir das zuließen.

Our culture would be in a bad way if we allowed that.

Subjunctive II in a complex idiom.

Common Collocations

schlechtes Wetter

schlechte Laune

schlechtes Gewissen

schlechte Nachricht

schlechte Qualität

schlecht gelaunt

schlecht hören

schlecht schlafen

schlecht werden

schlechte Karten haben

Common Phrases

Mir ist schlecht.

— I feel nauseous or sick to my stomach.

Mir ist schlecht, ich muss mich setzen.

Nicht schlecht!

— Not bad! (Used as a compliment, meaning 'impressive').

Nicht schlecht, dein neues Haus!

Schlecht gelaunt sein.

— To be in a bad mood.

Morgens ist er immer schlecht gelaunt.

Schlechte Karten haben.

— To have a low chance of success.

Wir haben schlechte Karten bei diesem Projekt.

Ein schlechtes Gewissen haben.

— To feel guilty about something.

Hast du kein schlechtes Gewissen?

Schlecht zu Fuß sein.

— To have difficulty walking.

Mein Opa ist leider schlecht zu Fuß.

Schlecht beraten sein.

— To be ill-advised or making a mistake.

Du bist schlecht beraten, wenn du das kaufst.

Schlecht riechen.

— To smell bad.

Der Müll riecht schlecht.

Schlecht sehen.

— To have poor eyesight.

Ohne Brille kann ich schlecht sehen.

Schlecht wegkommen.

— To come off badly or get a raw deal.

Er ist bei der Scheidung schlecht weggekommen.

Often Confused With

schlecht vs schlimm

Schlecht is for quality/health; schlimm is for severity/consequences.

schlecht vs böse

Schlecht is for 'bad'; böse is for 'evil' or 'angry'.

schlecht vs schlicht

Schlecht means 'bad'; schlicht means 'simple' or 'plain'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Schlechte Karten haben"

— To be in a disadvantageous position or have little chance of winning.

Ohne Erfahrung hast du schlechte Karten für den Job.

informal/neutral

"Jemandem wird schlecht"

— Someone feels nauseous or disgusted by something.

Wenn ich das sehe, wird mir schlecht.

neutral

"Ein schlechtes Gewissen ist ein sanftes Ruhekissen"

— Ironical proverb: A bad conscience is a soft pillow (meaning you can't sleep with guilt).

Er kann nicht schlafen; ein schlechtes Gewissen ist eben kein sanftes Ruhekissen.

literary/ironic

"Schlecht und recht"

— Barely; with difficulty; just enough to get by.

Er spricht schlecht und recht Deutsch.

neutral

"Sich schlecht fühlen"

— To feel bad (emotionally or physically).

Ich fühle mich schlecht, weil ich sie verletzt habe.

neutral

"Schlecht bestellt sein um..."

— To be in a bad state regarding something.

Es ist schlecht bestellt um unsere Umwelt.

formal

"Schlecht abschneiden"

— To perform poorly in a test or competition.

Die deutsche Elf hat schlecht abgeschnitten.

neutral

"Schlecht dran sein"

— To be in a bad situation or poorly off.

Ohne Geld ist man schlecht dran.

informal

"Schlecht machen"

— To speak ill of someone or something.

Du solltest deine Kollegen nicht schlecht machen.

neutral

"Schlecht wegkommen"

— To be treated unfairly or receive less than others.

Frauen kommen beim Gehalt oft schlecht weg.

neutral

Easily Confused

schlecht vs schlimm

Both translate to 'bad' in English.

Schlecht refers to quality (a bad car) or nausea. Schlimm refers to the gravity of a situation (a bad accident).

Ein schlechter Film (quality), ein schlimmer Unfall (severity).

schlecht vs böse

Both can describe a 'bad' person.

Schlecht is general; böse implies malicious intent or anger.

Er ist böse auf mich (He is angry with me).

schlecht vs übel

Both are used for nausea.

Übel is often more intense or used for bad smells/tastes.

Mir ist übel (I feel very sick).

schlecht vs falsch

Sometimes 'bad' means 'incorrect'.

Schlecht is about quality; falsch is about correctness.

Das ist die falsche Antwort (That is the wrong answer).

schlecht vs hart

In English, a 'bad' time can be a 'hard' time.

In German, 'hart' is used for difficulty or physical hardness.

Das war eine harte Zeit (That was a hard time).

Sentence Patterns

Das [Nomen] ist schlecht.

Das Buch ist schlecht.

Mir ist schlecht.

Mir ist schlecht nach dem Essen.

Ein(e/es) schlechte(r/s) [Nomen].

Ein schlechter Tag.

[Nomen] ist schlechter als [Nomen].

Der Film ist schlechter als das Buch.

Wegen [Genitiv] schlechten [Nomen].

Wegen schlechten Wetters.

Ich habe ein schlechtes Gewissen.

Ich habe ein schlechtes Gewissen wegen gestern.

Das lässt sich schlecht [Verb].

Das lässt sich schlecht erklären.

Es steht schlecht um [Akkusativ].

Es steht schlecht um die Firma.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 500 words in German.

Common Mistakes

Ich bin schlecht. (meaning I feel sick) → Mir ist schlecht.
Using 'Ich bin' implies you are a bad person. 'Mir ist' is the correct dative construction for nausea.
Das war ein schlechter Unfall. → Das war ein schlimmer Unfall.
Use 'schlimm' for serious events/consequences. 'Schlecht' is for quality.
Ich habe schlecht Laune. → Ich habe schlechte Laune.
Adjectives before nouns must have endings. 'Laune' is feminine, so it needs '-e'.
Er ist schlecht auf mich. → Er ist böse auf mich.
To say someone is angry with you, use 'böse', 'sauer', or 'wütend', not 'schlecht'.
Wegen schlechtes Wetter. → Wegen schlechten Wetters.
'Wegen' takes the genitive case. 'Wetter' is neuter, so the adjective gets '-en' and the noun gets '-s'.

Tips

Dative Nausea

Always remember: 'Mir ist schlecht' = I feel sick. 'Ich bin schlecht' = I am bad. This is the most common mistake for beginners.

Beyond Schlecht

Once you reach B1, try to use more specific words like 'mangelhaft', 'furchtbar', or 'unangenehm' to avoid sounding repetitive.

The Power of 'Nicht Schlecht'

If a German says 'Nicht schlecht', take it as a big compliment! It's their way of saying something is actually quite good.

The Ich-Laut

The 'ch' in 'schlecht' is the soft 'ich-laut'. Don't pronounce it like a 'k' or a hard 'ch' from the throat.

Weather Talk

Germans talk about 'schlechtes Wetter' constantly. It's a great conversation starter to practice your adjective endings.

Adjective Endings

Practice the endings: schlechter (m), schlechte (f), schlechtes (n). They are essential for writing correct German.

Context Clues

If you hear 'schlecht' in a restaurant, someone is likely complaining about the food or feeling ill.

Bad Cards

Learn 'schlechte Karten haben'. It's a very common way to say someone has a low chance of success in any situation.

Slight/Schlecht

Remember that 'schlecht' is related to the English word 'slight'. Something slight is often not enough or 'bad'.

Schlecht as Adverb

In German, adjectives like 'schlecht' don't change form when used as adverbs. 'Er singt schlecht' is correct.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'sh-lect'. If you 'lect' (like a lecture) 'sh' (hush), it's a 'bad' lecture. Or associate it with 'slight' (its English cognate) - something that is slight or poor is 'schlecht'.

Visual Association

Imagine a big red 'X' over a rainy cloud. The cloud is 'schlecht'. Or imagine a person turning green (nauseous) and saying 'Schlecht!'.

Word Web

gut schlimm böse Wetter Laune Gewissen Note Qualität

Challenge

Try to describe three things in your room that are 'schlecht' (e.g., an old pen, a broken chair, a bad book) using full German sentences with correct endings.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle High German 'sleht' and Old High German 'sleht', which originally meant 'straight', 'smooth', or 'simple'. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'simple' to 'plain' and eventually to 'of low quality' or 'bad'.

Original meaning: Straight, smooth, simple, plain.

Germanic (cognate with English 'slight').

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling a person 'schlecht'. It is a strong judgment of their character. Usually, 'böse' is used for 'evil' and 'unfähig' for 'incompetent'.

English speakers often use 'bad' for both quality and severity. In German, you must distinguish between 'schlecht' (quality) and 'schlimm' (severity).

The phrase 'Mir ist schlecht' is a staple in German comedy and drama. Hegel's 'schlechte Unendlichkeit' (bad infinity) is a famous philosophical concept. Bertolt Brecht often used simple words like 'schlecht' to critique social conditions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

Schlechtes Wetter haben
Bei schlechtem Wetter
Das Wetter wird schlecht
Schlechtwettervorhersage

Health

Mir ist schlecht
Mir wird schlecht
Schlecht aussehen
Schlecht fühlen

Performance

Schlecht abschneiden
Schlecht spielen
Schlecht vorbereitet sein
Schlechte Noten

Food

Das Essen ist schlecht
Schlecht riechen
Schlecht schmecken
Schlecht geworden sein

Emotions

Schlechte Laune
Schlechtes Gewissen
Schlecht gelaunt
Sich schlecht fühlen

Conversation Starters

"Findest du das Wetter heute auch so schlecht?"

"Hast du schon mal einen wirklich schlechten Film gesehen?"

"Was machst du, wenn du schlechte Laune hast?"

"Ist dir schon mal schlecht geworden im Bus?"

"Warum haben manche Menschen ein so schlechtes Gewissen?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe einen Tag, an dem alles schlecht gelaufen ist.

Was ist für dich eine schlechte Angewohnheit?

Warum ist es manchmal gut, eine schlechte Nachricht sofort zu erfahren?

Schreibe über ein Produkt, das eine sehr schlechte Qualität hatte.

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn du schlecht geschlafen hast?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it usually means you feel generally unwell or guilty. If you specifically mean you feel nauseous, you should say 'Mir ist schlecht'. Using 'Ich fühle mich schlecht' is common for emotional distress or a starting cold.

Use 'schlecht' for quality (a bad book) or nausea. Use 'schlimm' for serious events or consequences (a bad injury). If you say 'Das ist schlecht', it's poor quality. If you say 'Das ist schlimm', it's a tragedy.

It declines like a regular adjective. For example: 'ein schlechter Mann' (masc), 'eine schlechte Frau' (fem), 'ein schlechtes Kind' (neut). In the plural, it's 'schlechte Leute'.

Mostly, yes. However, in the phrase 'nicht schlecht', it acts as a compliment, meaning 'impressive' or 'good'. This is a common form of understatement in German culture.

Yes, in certain adverbial contexts like 'Das lässt sich schlecht sagen' (That's hard to say) or 'Er kann schlecht hören' (He is hard of hearing). It implies the action is performed with difficulty.

The most common opposite is 'gut'. Depending on the context, you could also use 'schön' (for weather) or 'gesund' (for health).

It can be, but 'böse' is much more common for 'evil'. 'Ein schlechter Mensch' is a person with a bad character, while 'ein böser Mensch' is someone who does evil things.

The comparative is 'schlechter' and the superlative is 'am schlechtesten'. For example: 'Dieses Buch ist schlechter' and 'Das ist das schlechteste Buch'.

Yes, 'Die Milch ist schlecht' is the standard way to say the milk has gone off. You can also use 'verdorben' for a more formal or precise term.

It means 'in a bad mood'. It is a very common compound adjective. You can say 'Ich bin schlecht gelaunt' or 'Er hat schlechte Laune'.