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A1 adjective #1,000 mais comum 11 min de leitura

dick

Top 1,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas dick em 30 segundos

Explicação dick in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the adjective 'dick' is introduced primarily as a basic descriptive word for physical size and opposites. You learn it alongside words like 'groß' (big), 'klein' (small), and its direct opposite 'dünn' (thin). In this early stage, you will use it mostly to describe objects that have a large volume or thickness, such as a thick book ('ein dickes Buch') or a thick sweater ('ein dicker Pullover'). You will also learn that it can describe people or animals who are fat or overweight, though teachers usually caution beginners about the politeness of doing so. The grammar focus at this level is simply placing the word after the verb 'sein' (to be) without any endings, as in 'Das Buch ist dick' (The book is thick) or 'Der Hund ist dick' (The dog is fat). This predicative use is straightforward and allows beginners to start making simple, descriptive sentences immediately. You might also encounter it in basic attributive forms with definite articles, learning to add the '-e' ending, like 'der dicke Hund'. The primary goal at A1 is to recognize the word, know its basic physical meaning, and use it in simple, everyday descriptions of the world around you.

As you progress to the A2 level, your understanding of 'dick' expands beyond simple physical descriptions of objects and weight. You begin to encounter its use in everyday health and weather contexts. A crucial new meaning introduced at this level is 'swollen'. You learn to use it to describe minor injuries or ailments, such as 'ein dicker Fuß' (a swollen foot) or 'ein dicker Hals' (a swollen throat/neck, often implying tonsillitis). This is essential vocabulary for explaining basic health problems to a doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, you learn to apply it to weather phenomena, specifically fog and clouds. The phrase 'dicker Nebel' (thick fog) becomes a standard part of your vocabulary for describing bad weather conditions. Grammatically, you practice using the word more extensively as an attributive adjective, mastering the various endings required for different genders, cases, and articles (e.g., 'mit einem dicken Pullover' - with a thick sweater, using the dative case). You also learn its comparative and superlative forms: 'dicker' (thicker/fatter) and 'am dicksten' (thickest/fattest), noting that it does not take an umlaut, unlike many other short adjectives. This allows you to make comparisons, which is a key skill at the A2 level.

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At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'dick' becomes significantly more nuanced and idiomatic. You move beyond literal physical descriptions and start using the word in common conversational phrases and metaphors. A key phrase learned at this level is 'dicke Freunde' (close/thick friends), which introduces the concept of 'dick' meaning intimate or closely bonded. You also learn to use it to describe consistency, such as a thick soup ('eine dicke Suppe') or thick sauce. The vocabulary expands to include compound words like 'dickköpfig' (stubborn, literally 'thick-headed'), which is highly common in everyday German. Furthermore, you begin to understand the subtle social registers associated with the word. You learn that calling someone 'dick' can be offensive, and you start acquiring softer alternatives like 'mollig' or 'übergewichtig' for more polite conversation. In terms of grammar, you are expected to use the adjective flawlessly in all cases and declensions, including mixed declensions with possessive articles (e.g., 'mein dicker Kater' - my fat tomcat). You also practice using it in subordinate clauses and more complex sentence structures, integrating it naturally into your spoken and written German.

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Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means you are comfortable with the abstract and highly idiomatic uses of 'dick'. You encounter expressions where the word implies abundance, wealth, or exaggeration. For example, you might hear 'ein dickes Auto' (a fancy/expensive car) or 'ein dickes Bankkonto' (a fat bank account). You learn idioms like 'dick im Geschäft sein' (to be highly successful/involved in business) or 'eine dicke Lippe riskieren' (to be cheeky/risk a fat lip). At this level, you also understand the subtle difference between 'dick' and 'fett', knowing exactly when to use which based on context and desired impact. You can read and comprehend texts where the word is used metaphorically, such as describing a 'thick' atmosphere of tension in a room. Your active vocabulary includes a wide range of synonyms and related terms, allowing you to vary your language and avoid repetition. You can discuss complex topics like obesity ('Übergewicht') or societal beauty standards without relying solely on the basic word 'dick', demonstrating a sophisticated command of German vocabulary and cultural nuances.

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At the C1 advanced level, your mastery of 'dick' involves a deep understanding of its stylistic and literary applications. You can effortlessly navigate complex texts, such as literature, academic articles, or high-level journalism, where the word might be used in highly specific or poetic ways. You understand regional variations and colloquialisms associated with the word across different German-speaking areas. You are familiar with compound nouns and specialized vocabulary where 'dick' acts as a prefix, such as 'Dickicht' (thicket) or 'Dickhäuter' (pachyderm/thick-skinned person). You can use the word ironically or sarcastically, understanding the subtle tonal shifts required to convey these meanings. For instance, saying 'Das ist ja ein dickes Ding!' (That's a bit much! / That's incredible!) requires an understanding of intonation and context that goes beyond literal translation. Your writing at this level demonstrates a precise selection of adjectives, where 'dick' is chosen deliberately for its specific phonetic or semantic impact, rather than just being the default translation for 'thick' or 'fat'. You can engage in debates about language use, such as the political correctness of terms related to body weight, using appropriate and sensitive terminology.

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At the C2 mastery level, your understanding of 'dick' is virtually indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess an intuitive grasp of its etymology and historical usage, understanding how its meaning has evolved over time. You can analyze its use in classic German literature, recognizing archaic or poetic forms. You are completely fluent in all its idiomatic, metaphorical, and colloquial expressions, deploying them spontaneously and accurately in any conversation. You understand the microscopic semantic differences between 'dick' and its closest synonyms in highly specialized contexts, such as materials science (e.g., the thickness of a microscopic layer) or advanced medical terminology. You can play with the word, creating spontaneous puns or wordplay based on its multiple meanings. Your command of the language allows you to use 'dick' not just to convey information, but to establish tone, build rapport, or express subtle humor. You are aware of the sociolinguistic implications of the word in different social classes and regions, adapting your usage seamlessly to fit any environment, from a formal academic lecture to a casual chat in a local dialect.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

dick em 30 segundos

Means 'thick' for objects like books or walls.
Means 'fat' or 'overweight' for people and animals.
Means 'swollen' for injured body parts.
Used in idioms for close friends ('dicke Freunde').

The German adjective dick is a highly versatile and frequently used word that primarily translates to 'thick', 'fat', or 'big' in English. Understanding its various applications is crucial for learners, as it extends far beyond simple physical descriptions of objects. At its core, it describes a substantial distance between opposite sides of an object, such as a thick book, a thick wall, or a thick slice of bread. However, its usage permeates everyday German in ways that might surprise English speakers, encompassing descriptions of human and animal bodies, medical conditions, atmospheric phenomena, and even the depth of interpersonal relationships. When you first encounter this word, you might strictly associate it with the English word 'thick', but limiting it to this translation will hinder your fluency. In everyday conversation, native speakers use it to describe someone who is overweight, a finger that has swollen after an injury, or a dense fog that makes driving dangerous. It is also deeply embedded in idiomatic expressions that convey intimacy, wealth, or stubbornness. To truly master this word, one must explore its multifaceted nature across different contexts, registers, and grammatical structures. Let us delve into the specific scenarios where this word is indispensable.

Physical Thickness: Used to describe objects with significant depth or volume, such as books, walls, carpets, or clothing designed for winter.

Ich lese ein sehr dickes Buch über die deutsche Geschichte.

Body Weight and Size: Applied to humans and animals to indicate that they are overweight, plump, or fat. Note that using it for people can be considered impolite, similar to English.

Der Kater meiner Nachbarin ist in letzter Zeit ziemlich dick geworden.

Swelling and Inflammation: In medical or everyday health contexts, it describes a body part that is swollen due to injury, infection, or an allergic reaction.

Nach dem Bienenstich hatte er einen ganz dicken Arm.

Wir konnten wegen des dicken Nebels kaum die Straße sehen.

Sie sind schon seit dem Kindergarten dicke Freunde.

As demonstrated, the utility of this adjective is immense. It bridges the gap between literal physical descriptions and nuanced metaphorical meanings. Whether you are discussing the weather, describing a physical ailment, talking about a hearty meal, or characterizing a close friendship, this word will frequently appear in your German conversations. Mastering its various contexts will significantly enhance your ability to communicate naturally and effectively with native speakers, moving you beyond textbook translations into real-world fluency.

Using the adjective dick correctly in German sentences requires an understanding of adjective declension, comparative forms, and its placement within different sentence structures. Like all German adjectives, its ending changes depending on whether it is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a verb like 'sein', 'werden', or 'bleiben'). When used predicatively, it remains uninflected, meaning it does not take any endings. This is the simplest way to use the word and is perfect for beginners. However, when placed directly before a noun, it must agree with the noun's gender, number, and case. This requires applying the rules of strong, weak, or mixed adjective declension, depending on the preceding article. Furthermore, the comparative and superlative forms involve an umlaut change, which is a common feature in short German adjectives but one that learners often forget. The comparative form is 'dicker' (thicker/fatter), and the superlative form is 'am dicksten' (thickest/fattest). Let us examine these grammatical mechanics in detail to ensure you can construct accurate and natural-sounding German sentences.

Predicative Usage: When the adjective follows the noun and a linking verb, it takes no endings. This form is invariable regardless of the noun's gender or plurality.

Das Buch ist dick und schwer zu tragen.

Attributive Usage (Weak Declension): When preceded by a definite article (der, die, das), the adjective takes weak endings (-e or -en depending on case and gender).

Der dicke Hund schläft den ganzen Tag auf dem Sofa.

Comparative and Superlative: To say 'thicker' or 'thickest', you must add an umlaut to the vowel 'i'. Wait, 'i' does not take an umlaut. Correction: 'dick' does NOT take an umlaut in the comparative. It is simply 'dicker' and 'am dicksten'. This is a crucial exception to note!

Mein Pullover ist dicker als deiner.

Dieser Baum hat den dicksten Stamm im ganzen Wald.

Sie trägt eine dicke Jacke, weil es draußen schneit.

By practicing these different sentence structures, you will become comfortable integrating the word into your daily German usage. Pay special attention to the adjective endings, as they are the most common source of errors for learners. Whether you are making simple statements about the size of an object or comparing the thickness of two different materials, the grammatical rules remain consistent. Consistent practice with both predicative and attributive forms will solidify your understanding and improve your overall grammatical accuracy in German.

The adjective dick is omnipresent in the German language, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from casual street conversations to formal medical diagnoses. Because its meaning is so broad, you will encounter it in almost every facet of daily life in German-speaking countries. It is not restricted to a specific register or demographic; rather, it is a fundamental building block of the language. You will hear it when people talk about the weather, when they describe their physical ailments, when they gossip about relationships, and when they discuss food. Understanding the specific environments where this word thrives will help you anticipate its usage and comprehend the intended meaning more quickly. Let us explore some of the most common real-world scenarios where you are guaranteed to hear this versatile adjective.

Weather Forecasts and Traffic Reports: Meteorologists and news anchors frequently use it to describe dense atmospheric conditions, particularly fog and clouds, which impact visibility and travel.

Achtung Autofahrer, auf der A9 herrscht heute Morgen dicker Nebel.

Medical Contexts and Pharmacies: Patients use it to describe swelling to doctors or pharmacists. It is the standard, colloquial way to express that a body part is inflamed or enlarged due to injury.

Ich bin umgeknickt und jetzt habe ich einen dicken Knöchel.

Clothing and Shopping: When preparing for winter or shopping for cold-weather gear, this word is essential for describing the warmth and material thickness of garments.

Zieh dir bitte dicke Socken an, der Boden ist kalt.

Wir brauchen ein dickes Seil, um das Boot festzubinden.

Er hat ein dickes Bankkonto und kann sich alles leisten.

From the practicalities of dressing for the weather to the nuances of describing a swollen joint, this word is a workhorse of the German vocabulary. By paying attention to these common contexts, you will not only improve your listening comprehension but also learn how to deploy the word naturally in your own speech. It is a prime example of how a simple, foundational vocabulary word can have extensive and varied applications in real-world communication.

When English speakers learn the German adjective dick, they often fall into several predictable traps due to false friends, cultural differences, and grammatical nuances. The most prominent issue arises from the English word 'thick', which sounds similar and shares some meanings, but diverges significantly in others. For instance, in English, calling someone 'thick' can mean they are unintelligent or slow to understand. In German, this word never carries the meaning of stupidity; it strictly refers to physical size, weight, or swelling. Applying the English slang meaning to the German word will result in complete confusion. Another major pitfall involves social etiquette. While it is grammatically correct to describe an overweight person with this word, it is often considered blunt or impolite, much like calling someone 'fat' in English. Learners sometimes use it too freely without realizing the social weight it carries. Let us examine these common mistakes in detail to help you navigate the linguistic and cultural complexities of this deceptively simple word.

The 'Stupid' False Friend: Never use this word to mean 'stupid' or 'dense' in terms of intelligence. To say someone is stupid in German, use 'dumm' or 'blöd'.

Falsch: Er versteht das nicht, er ist sehr dick. (Incorrectly trying to say 'he is thick/stupid')

Insensitivity Regarding Weight: Using it directly to someone's face to describe their weight is highly offensive. It is the direct equivalent of calling someone 'fat'.

Vermeiden: Du bist aber dick geworden! (Avoid: You have gotten fat!)

Confusion with 'Dicht': Learners sometimes confuse it with 'dicht' (dense/tight). While you can say 'dicker Nebel' (thick fog), a dense forest is usually 'ein dichter Wald', not 'ein dicker Wald'.

Richtig: Der Wald ist sehr dicht. (Correct: The forest is very dense.)

Falsch: Das Wasser ist dick. (Incorrect for 'deep water' - use 'tief').

Richtig: Die Suppe ist sehr dick. (Correct: The soup is very thick/viscous).

Avoiding these common mistakes requires a conscious effort to separate the German word from its English lookalike. By remembering that it strictly relates to physical dimensions, swelling, or specific idiomatic uses (like close friends), and by being mindful of the social implications when describing people, you can use this word with confidence and precision. Always consider the context and the feelings of your conversational partner when choosing adjectives related to physical appearance.

To truly enrich your German vocabulary, it is essential to learn the synonyms and alternatives for the adjective dick. While it is a highly useful and common word, relying on it too heavily can make your speech sound repetitive or, in some contexts, impolite. German offers a rich tapestry of descriptive words that can convey similar meanings with greater precision or a different emotional tone. For instance, when describing a person's weight, words like 'fett' (fat), 'übergewichtig' (overweight), 'mollig' (chubby), or 'korpulent' (corpulent) provide a spectrum of options ranging from highly offensive to clinical to polite. When describing objects, alternatives like 'breit' (broad/wide), 'stark' (strong/thick), or 'massiv' (massive) can often paint a more accurate picture. Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your language to the specific situation, ensuring you communicate exactly what you mean while maintaining the appropriate register and level of politeness. Let us explore some of the most important alternatives and when to use them.

Fett (Fat / Greasy): This is a stronger, more derogatory term when applied to people. It is also used literally for greasy food or actual fat.

Das Fleisch ist mir zu fett, ich mag es lieber mager.

Geschwollen (Swollen): This is the precise, clinical term for a body part that is enlarged due to injury or illness, serving as a formal alternative to the target word.

Der Arzt sagte, mein Fuß ist stark geschwollen.

Mollig (Chubby / Plump): A much softer, friendlier, and more polite way to describe someone who is slightly overweight. It carries a cozy or cute connotation.

Das Baby hat süße, mollige Wangen.

Er ist ein sehr kräftiger Mann mit breiten Schultern.

Die Burg hat massive, breite Mauern.

Expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives will make your German much more expressive and precise. Instead of using a single catch-all word, you can select the exact term that fits the context, whether you need to be medically accurate, socially polite, or descriptively vivid. This level of nuance is a hallmark of advanced language proficiency and will greatly enhance your communication skills in German.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutro

Informal

Child friendly

Gíria

Curiosidade

Despite sounding exactly like a vulgar English slang word, 'dick' in German is a completely innocent, everyday adjective used by children and adults alike. English speakers often giggle when they first hear 'ein dicker Hund' (a fat dog).

Guia de pronúncia

UK /dɪk/

US /dɪk/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is entirely on the vowel 'i'.

Rima com

Blick Trick Klick Schick Tick Strick Knick Zwick

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'i' too long, like 'deek'. It must be a short, sharp 'i'.
Confusing the meaning with the English slang word due to the identical pronunciation.
Failing to pronounce the final 'k' sharply.
Adding an umlaut in the comparative form (saying 'dücker' instead of 'dicker').
Forgetting the adjective endings when used before a noun.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in text.

Escrita 2/5

Requires knowledge of adjective declension endings.

Expressão oral 2/5

English speakers might hesitate due to the English slang meaning.

Audição 1/5

Clearly pronounced and easy to catch in spoken German.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

groß klein sein haben das Buch

Aprenda a seguir

dünn schmal breit geschwollen übergewichtig

Avançado

das Dickicht dickköpfig die Fettsucht korpulent massiv

Gramática essencial

Adjective Declension (Weak)

Der dicke Hund schläft. (After definite article)

Adjective Declension (Strong)

Dicker Nebel liegt über der Stadt. (No article)

Adjective Declension (Mixed)

Ein dickes Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. (After indefinite article)

Comparative Forms

Mein Buch ist dicker als dein Buch. (No umlaut)

Superlative Forms

Das ist das dickste Buch in der Bibliothek.

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Exemplos por nível

Das Buch ist sehr dick.

The book is very thick.

Predicative use, no adjective ending required.

Der Mann ist dick.

The man is fat.

Basic descriptive sentence using 'sein'.

Ich habe einen dicken Pullover.

I have a thick sweater.

Accusative masculine, weak declension ending '-en'.

Die Katze ist nicht dick, sie ist dünn.

The cat is not fat, it is thin.

Contrasting opposites 'dick' and 'dünn'.

Wir brauchen dicke Socken für den Winter.

We need thick socks for the winter.

Accusative plural, strong declension ending '-e'.

Ist das Wörterbuch dick?

Is the dictionary thick?

Question structure with predicative adjective.

Der dicke Hund schläft.

The fat dog is sleeping.

Nominative masculine, weak declension ending '-e'.

Das ist ein dickes Baby.

That is a chubby baby.

Nominative neuter, mixed declension ending '-es'.

Mein Knie ist dick und tut weh.

My knee is swollen and hurts.

Meaning 'swollen' in a medical context.

Heute Morgen gab es dicken Nebel.

This morning there was thick fog.

Accusative masculine, strong declension ending '-en'.

Die Suppe ist zu dick, ich brauche mehr Wasser.

The soup is too thick, I need more water.

Describing consistency of food.

Mein Schal ist dicker als deiner.

My scarf is thicker than yours.

Comparative form 'dicker'.

Er hat den dicksten Bauch in der Familie.

He has the fattest belly in the family.

Superlative form 'am dicksten' used attributively.

Nach dem Insektenstich wurde mein Finger ganz dick.

After the insect bite, my finger got really swollen.

Used with the verb 'werden' to indicate a change of state.

Schneide bitte dicke Scheiben vom Brot ab.

Please cut thick slices from the bread.

Accusative plural, strong declension.

Mit einer dicken Jacke ist dir nicht kalt.

With a thick jacket, you won't be cold.

Dative feminine, mixed declension ending '-en'.

Sie sind schon seit Jahren dicke Freunde.

They have been close friends for years.

Idiomatic use meaning 'close' or 'intimate'.

Sei nicht so dickköpfig und hör mir zu!

Don't be so stubborn and listen to me!

Compound adjective 'dickköpfig' (stubborn).

Er hat ein dickes Fell und ignoriert die Kritik.

He has a thick skin and ignores the criticism.

Idiom 'ein dickes Fell haben' (to have a thick skin).

Das ist ein dickes Problem für unsere Firma.

That is a massive problem for our company.

Used metaphorically to mean 'large' or 'serious'.

Die Luft im Raum war dick vor Rauch.

The air in the room was thick with smoke.

Describing dense atmospheric conditions indoors.

Ich habe mir ein dickes Buch für den Urlaub gekauft.

I bought myself a thick book for the vacation.

Accusative neuter, mixed declension ending '-es'.

Trotz des dicken Verkehrs kamen wir pünktlich an.

Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.

Genitive masculine, strong declension ending '-en'.

Sie trug eine dicke Schicht Make-up.

She wore a thick layer of makeup.

Accusative feminine, weak declension ending '-e'.

Er fährt ein dickes Auto und trägt teure Uhren.

He drives a fancy car and wears expensive watches.

Colloquial use meaning 'expensive', 'luxurious', or 'impressive'.

Das ist ja ein dickes Ding, dass er einfach gekündigt hat!

That's quite a shock that he just quit!

Idiom 'ein dickes Ding' expressing surprise or outrage.

Wir müssen durch das dicke Gestrüpp wandern.

We have to hike through the thick undergrowth.

Describing dense vegetation.

Sie hat ein dickes Bankkonto geerbt.

She inherited a fat bank account.

Metaphorical use for a large amount of money.

Er riskierte eine dicke Lippe und bekam Ärger.

He was cheeky and got into trouble.

Idiom 'eine dicke Lippe riskieren' (to be mouthy/cheeky).

Die dicken Regentropfen prasselten gegen das Fenster.

The large raindrops pattered against the window.

Describing the large volume of individual drops.

Sie stecken tief im dicken Schlamm fest.

They are stuck deep in the thick mud.

Dative masculine, strong declension ending '-em'.

Das war ein dickes Lob vom Chef.

That was high praise from the boss.

Metaphorical use meaning 'significant' or 'substantial'.

Er hat es faustdick hinter den Ohren.

He is a sly dog / He is very crafty.

Advanced idiom meaning someone is cunning or mischievous.

Die Atmosphäre war zum Schneiden dick.

The atmosphere was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Metaphorical expression for extreme tension.

Das dicke Ende kommt erst noch.

The worst is yet to come.

Idiom meaning the most difficult part is still ahead.

Er ist im Geschäft richtig dick drin.

He is deeply involved in the business.

Colloquialism meaning highly successful or deeply involved.

Wir müssen die dicken Bretter bohren.

We have to do the hard work / tackle the difficult tasks.

Idiom 'dicke Bretter bohren' meaning to undertake a difficult, tedious task.

Die Akte ist im Laufe der Jahre ziemlich dick geworden.

The file has become quite thick over the years.

Literal use applied to bureaucratic accumulation.

Sie strich die Farbe dick auf die Leinwand.

She applied the paint thickly onto the canvas.

Used as an adverb modifying the verb 'streichen'.

Ein dickes Minus in der Bilanz beunruhigte die Aktionäre.

A massive deficit in the balance sheet worried the shareholders.

Used metaphorically to describe a large negative number.

Das ist ein dicker Hund, was die Regierung da beschlossen hat!

That's an outrage, what the government has decided there!

Highly colloquial idiom 'ein dicker Hund' expressing indignation.

In der Diktatur herrschte ein dickes Schweigen über die Verbrechen.

In the dictatorship, a dense silence prevailed regarding the crimes.

Poetic/literary metaphorical use describing an oppressive atmosphere.

Er las die dicken Wälzer der Philosophiegeschichte.

He read the thick tomes of the history of philosophy.

Collocation with 'Wälzer' (heavy tome).

Die dicke Luft im Büro war kaum zu ertragen.

The bad atmosphere in the office was barely tolerable.

Idiom 'dicke Luft' meaning a tense, angry, or bad atmosphere.

Sie sind durch dick und dünn gegangen.

They have been through thick and thin.

Classic idiom meaning through good times and bad.

Der Autor trug in seinem Roman etwas zu dick auf.

The author laid it on a bit too thick in his novel.

Idiom 'dick auftragen' meaning to exaggerate or overdo something.

Ein dickes Lob gebührt den ehrenamtlichen Helfern.

High praise is due to the volunteer helpers.

Formal use in a commendation context.

Das Blut war zu dickflüssig, was auf eine Krankheit hindeutete.

The blood was too viscous, which indicated an illness.

Compound adjective 'dickflüssig' used in a scientific/medical context.

Colocações comuns

ein dickes Buch

ein dicker Bauch

dicker Nebel

dicke Freunde

ein dickes Knie

dicke Socken

dicke Luft

ein dickes Auto

ein dickes Fell

dicke Tränen

Frases Comuns

dicke Luft

— A tense or bad atmosphere, usually after an argument.

Nach dem Streit herrschte dicke Luft im Büro.

dicke Freunde sein

— To be very close, intimate friends.

Tom und Lukas sind schon immer dicke Freunde.

durch dick und dünn gehen

— To go through good times and bad times together.

Wir sind durch dick und dünn gegangen.

ein dickes Fell haben

— To be thick-skinned; to not let criticism bother you.

Als Politiker braucht man ein dickes Fell.

dick auftragen

— To exaggerate or boast.

Er hat bei seiner Geschichte ganz schön dick aufgetragen.

es faustdick hinter den Ohren haben

— To be sly, crafty, or mischievous.

Der kleine Junge hat es faustdick hinter den Ohren.

ein dickes Ding

— An outrage, a huge surprise, or a big mistake.

Das ist ja ein dickes Ding, dass er einfach nicht kommt!

dick im Geschäft sein

— To be highly successful or deeply involved in a business.

Ihre Firma ist jetzt richtig dick im Geschäft.

eine dicke Lippe riskieren

— To be cheeky, mouthy, or talk back aggressively.

Riskiere hier keine dicke Lippe, mein Freund!

das dicke Ende kommt noch

— The worst part is yet to happen.

Warte ab, das dicke Ende kommt erst noch.

Frequentemente confundido com

dick vs dicht

'Dicht' means dense or tight (like a dense forest or a tight seal). 'Dick' means thick in volume.

dick vs fett

'Fett' means fat or greasy. It is much more derogatory when used for people than 'dick'.

dick vs stark

'Stark' means strong. Sometimes used for rain (starker Regen), whereas 'dick' is used for fog (dicker Nebel).

Expressões idiomáticas

"dicke Luft"

— Tense atmosphere.

Hier ist dicke Luft.

informal

"dicke Freunde"

— Close friends.

Sie sind dicke Freunde.

neutral

"durch dick und dünn"

— Through thick and thin.

Wir gehen durch dick und dünn.

neutral

"ein dickes Fell"

— Thick skin against criticism.

Er hat ein dickes Fell.

neutral

"dick auftragen"

— To exaggerate.

Er trägt dick auf.

informal

"faustdick hinter den Ohren"

— To be sly.

Er hat es faustdick hinter den Ohren.

informal

"ein dickes Ding"

— A huge surprise/outrage.

Das ist ein dickes Ding!

informal

"dick im Geschäft"

— Very successful in business.

Er ist dick im Geschäft.

informal

"dicke Lippe riskieren"

— To be mouthy.

Riskiere keine dicke Lippe.

slang

"das dicke Ende"

— The worst part to come.

Das dicke Ende kommt noch.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

dick vs dicht

Both translate to 'thick' or 'dense' in English in certain contexts.

'Dicht' refers to things packed closely together (dense forest, tight seal). 'Dick' refers to the physical volume or distance between sides.

Ein dichter Wald (dense forest) vs. ein dicker Baum (thick tree).

dick vs fett

Both mean 'fat'.

'Fett' is harsher, more derogatory for people, and literal for greasy food. 'Dick' is the standard, slightly softer word for overweight.

Das Fleisch ist fett (greasy). Der Mann ist dick (overweight).

dick vs blöd/dumm

English speakers use 'thick' to mean stupid.

'Dick' NEVER means stupid in German. You must use 'dumm' or 'blöd'.

Er ist dumm (He is stupid). Er ist dick (He is fat).

dick vs geschwollen

Both mean 'swollen'.

'Geschwollen' is the formal/medical term. 'Dick' is the everyday conversational term.

Mein Fuß ist dick (casual). Mein Fuß ist geschwollen (formal).

dick vs breit

Both can describe large dimensions.

'Breit' specifically means wide or broad (horizontal distance). 'Dick' means thick (volume/depth).

Ein breiter Fluss (wide river). Ein dickes Buch (thick book).

Padrões de frases

[Subject] ist dick.

Das Buch ist dick.

ein dickes [Noun]

Ich habe ein dickes Buch.

[Body part] ist dick.

Mein Knie ist dick.

[Subject] ist dicker als [Object].

Mein Schal ist dicker als deiner.

dicke [Noun] sein

Wir sind dicke Freunde.

zu dick für [Something]

Die Jacke ist zu dick für den Sommer.

ein dickes [Noun] haben

Er hat ein dickes Bankkonto.

dick [Verb]

Er hat dick aufgetragen.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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frequency

Extremely high. Top 1000 most common German words.

Erros comuns

Er ist sehr dick im Kopf. (Trying to say he is stupid) → Er ist sehr dumm.
'Dick' never means stupid in German. It only refers to physical size.
Mein Buch ist dücker als deins. → Mein Buch ist dicker als deins.
The adjective 'dick' does not take an umlaut in the comparative form.
Der Wald ist sehr dick. → Der Wald ist sehr dicht.
For dense things packed together like trees in a forest, use 'dicht', not 'dick'.
Das Wasser im Pool ist sehr dick. (Trying to say deep) → Das Wasser im Pool ist sehr tief.
'Dick' cannot be used for the depth of water. Use 'tief' (deep).
Ich habe ein dickes Regen. → Ich habe starken Regen.
For heavy rain, German uses 'stark' (strong), not 'dick'. 'Dick' is used for fog (Nebel).

Dicas

No Umlaut in Comparative

Remember that 'dick' does not change its vowel in the comparative. It is 'dicker', not 'dücker'.

Medical Context

Use 'dick' at the doctor's office to describe a swollen body part. It sounds very natural to native speakers.

Politeness

Avoid calling people 'dick' to their face. It is just as blunt as calling someone 'fat' in English.

Dicke Luft

If someone says 'Hier ist dicke Luft', don't open a window! It means people are angry or tense.

Short Vowel

Keep the 'i' sound very short. Don't stretch it out.

Not Stupid

Never use 'dick' to translate the English slang 'thick' (meaning stupid). Use 'dumm'.

Foggy Days

Pair 'dick' with 'Nebel' (fog) to describe bad visibility. 'Dicker Nebel' is the standard phrase.

Close Friends

Use 'dicke Freunde' to describe people who have been best friends for a long time.

Winter Gear

Use 'dick' to describe warm winter clothing, like 'dicke Socken' or 'eine dicke Jacke'.

Check the Noun

Always check the gender of the noun following 'dick' to apply the correct ending (e.g., der dicke Hund, das dickes Buch).

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a very THICK dictionary. The word for thick is 'dick'. A 'dick' dictionary.

Associação visual

Visualize a cartoonish, incredibly fat cat sitting on a massively thick book. The cat is 'dick' and the book is 'dick'.

Word Web

dick Buch (thick) Mann (fat) Knie (swollen) Nebel (dense) Freunde (close) dünn (opposite) dicker (comparative)

Desafio

Look around your room and find three things that are 'dick' (thick). Then, find three things that are 'dünn' (thin). Say the German sentences out loud.

Origem da palavra

The word originates from the Old High German word 'dicchi', which meant dense, thick, or frequent. It shares a common Germanic root with the English word 'thick'.

Significado original: Originally, it primarily meant 'dense' or 'closely packed', similar to how 'dicht' is used today. Over time, it evolved to describe volume and physical girth.

Germanic, West Germanic. Cognate with English 'thick' and Dutch 'dik'.

Contexto cultural

notes: Avoid using it directly to describe a person's weight to their face. It is offensive. Use 'mollig' or 'übergewichtig' instead.

English speakers must overcome the psychological hurdle of saying a word that is a vulgar slang term in their native language. In German, it is completely harmless.

Max und Moritz (Wilhelm Busch) - Features characters with exaggerated, 'dicke' features. Dick und Doof - The German name for the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy (Fat and Stupid). Die unendliche Geschichte - Features various 'dicke' fantasy creatures.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Describing Objects

ein dickes Buch
dicke Mauern
ein dicker Pullover
dicke Socken

Describing People/Animals

ein dicker Hund
ein dicker Bauch
er ist dick geworden
ein dickes Baby

Health and Medicine

ein dicker Fuß
ein dickes Knie
dicke Mandeln
mein Finger ist dick

Weather

dicker Nebel
dicke Wolken
dicke Regentropfen
dicke Luft (metaphorical)

Idioms and Expressions

dicke Freunde
ein dickes Fell
durch dick und dünn
dick auftragen

Iniciadores de conversa

"Liest du lieber dicke oder dünne Bücher?"

"Hast du im Winter immer dicke Socken an?"

"War der Nebel heute Morgen bei dir auch so dick?"

"Hast du dir schon mal den Fuß so verletzt, dass er ganz dick wurde?"

"Wer ist dein ältester, dickster Freund?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe das dickste Buch, das du je gelesen hast.

Schreibe über einen Tag, an dem das Wetter sehr schlecht war (dicker Nebel, dicke Wolken).

Erzähle von einer Verletzung, bei der du ein dickes Knie oder einen dicken Fuß hattest.

Was bedeutet es für dich, mit jemandem 'durch dick und dünn' zu gehen?

Warum ist es unhöflich, jemanden 'dick' zu nennen? Welche Wörter sind besser?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, never. This is a false friend from English. In German, 'dick' only refers to physical size, weight, swelling, or specific idioms. To say someone is stupid, use 'dumm' or 'blöd'.

Yes, it is generally considered impolite, just like calling someone 'fat' in English. It is better to use softer terms like 'mollig' (chubby) or 'übergewichtig' (overweight) if you must discuss someone's weight.

In everyday German, people use 'dick'. For example, 'Mein Knie ist dick' means 'My knee is swollen'. The formal medical term is 'geschwollen'.

No. Unlike many short German adjectives (like kalt -> kälter), 'dick' is regular. The comparative is 'dicker' and the superlative is 'am dicksten'.

It is an idiom that translates literally to 'thick air', but it means a tense, uncomfortable, or angry atmosphere, usually after an argument or when people are upset with each other.

Yes, specifically for fog and clouds. 'Dicker Nebel' means thick fog, and 'dicke Wolken' means thick, heavy clouds. You do not use it for rain; heavy rain is 'starker Regen'.

It means 'close friends' or 'intimate friends'. It has nothing to do with the physical weight of the friends.

Not at all. Despite sounding exactly like an English vulgarity, it is a completely normal, everyday German adjective used by everyone, including children.

You say 'ein dickes Buch'. Because 'Buch' is neuter (das Buch), the adjective takes the mixed declension ending '-es' when following the indefinite article 'ein'.

The most common opposite is 'dünn' (thin). For people, you can also use 'schlank' (slim).

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