hungrig
hungrig em 30 segundos
- Hungrig is the German adjective for 'hungry', used to describe the physical need for food or a metaphorical desire for things like success.
- It is commonly used with the verb 'sein' (to be), as in 'Ich bin hungrig', though 'Ich habe Hunger' is also very frequent.
- As an adjective, it must be declined when used before a noun, taking endings like -e, -er, or -en depending on the context.
- It is a core A1 vocabulary word essential for daily life, restaurant visits, and expressing personal well-being in German-speaking countries.
The German adjective hungrig is a fundamental building block of the German language, primarily used to describe the physiological state of needing food. At its core, it translates directly to the English word 'hungry'. However, its usage spans from simple biological signals to complex metaphorical expressions of desire and ambition. In the German-speaking world, expressing one's appetite is not just a matter of survival but a social cue that often precedes communal activities like 'Abendbrot' or 'Mittagessen'.
- Biological State
- The most common use refers to the physical sensation in the stomach when one has not eaten for several hours.
Nach der langen Wanderung waren alle Kinder sehr hungrig.
Beyond the physical, 'hungrig' can describe a figurative craving. One can be 'hungrig nach Erfolg' (hungry for success) or 'wissenshungrig' (hungry for knowledge). This versatility makes it a powerful tool for learners to express intensity in various contexts. It is important to distinguish between the adjective 'hungrig' and the noun 'Hunger'. While English speakers say 'I am hungry', Germans frequently use the construction 'Ich habe Hunger' (I have hunger), though 'Ich bin hungrig' is perfectly correct and often used for emphasis or in specific regional dialects.
- Metaphorical Hunger
- Used to describe an intense desire for non-food items, such as power, love, or information.
Der junge Unternehmer ist hungrig nach neuen Herausforderungen.
- Grammatical Function
- As an adjective, it can be used predicatively (Das Kind ist hungrig) or attributively (Das hungrige Kind).
Ein hungriger Magen hat keine Ohren.
Bist du noch hungrig, oder bist du schon satt?
Using 'hungrig' correctly involves understanding its declension and its relationship with the verb 'sein'. Unlike 'Hunger haben', which is a fixed phrase, 'hungrig sein' allows for more descriptive flexibility. You can modify 'hungrig' with adverbs like 'sehr' (very), 'extrem' (extremely), or 'ein bisschen' (a little bit). When used before a noun, it must agree with the gender, number, and case of that noun.
- Predicative Use
- The adjective follows a linking verb like 'sein' or 'werden'. Example: 'Ich bin hungrig.'
Wenn ich morgens aufstehe, bin ich immer sofort hungrig.
In formal writing, 'hungrig' is often preferred over the more colloquial 'Hunger haben'. It sounds slightly more precise and fits better in literary or academic contexts. For example, in a medical report, one might read about a 'hungriger Patient' rather than a patient who 'hat Hunger'. Furthermore, 'hungrig' is essential for compound words. German is famous for its long words, and 'hungrig' serves as a suffix in many, such as 'erfolgshungrig' (success-hungry) or 'sensationshungrig' (sensation-seeking).
- Attributive Use
- The adjective comes before the noun. Example: 'Der hungrige Wolf sucht Futter.'
Die hungrigen Gäste warteten ungeduldig auf das Essen.
Er sah mich mit hungrigen Augen an.
- Comparison
- Hungrig (positive), hungriger (comparative), am hungrigsten (superlative).
Wer ist am hungrigsten? Ich habe extra viel gekocht.
You will encounter 'hungrig' in a variety of everyday settings. In a restaurant, a waiter might ask, 'Sind Sie noch hungrig?' (Are you still hungry?) before offering the dessert menu. In a family home, parents often ask their children, 'Bist du hungrig?' when they return from school. It is a word that bridges the gap between formal inquiry and intimate care.
- In Restaurants
- Waitstaff use it to gauge if customers want more food or are ready for the next course.
'Ich bin so hungrig, ich könnte ein ganzes Pferd essen!' (Common idiom).
In news and media, 'hungrig' often appears in a metaphorical sense. A sports commentator might describe a team as 'titelhungrig' (hungry for the title), implying a deep motivation and drive to win. In business news, a company might be described as 'expansionshungrig' (hungry for expansion). This usage highlights the German tendency to combine nouns with 'hungrig' to create specific, evocative adjectives.
- In Sports & Business
- Describes teams or companies with high levels of ambition and drive.
Die junge Mannschaft spielte hungrig und aggressiv.
Bist du hungrig auf Abenteuer?
- Literature
- Often used to describe characters' internal desires or desperate physical states.
Die hungrigen Jahre nach dem Krieg waren schwer.
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is over-relying on 'Ich bin hungrig' because it mirrors 'I am hungry'. While correct, it can sometimes sound a bit 'translated' or overly formal in casual settings. Germans naturally gravitate towards 'Ich habe Hunger'. Using 'hungrig' is not a mistake, but failing to use 'Hunger haben' can make your German sound less native.
- Confusion with 'Hunger haben'
- Beginners often forget that 'Hunger' is a noun and 'hungrig' is an adjective. You cannot say 'Ich bin Hunger'.
Falsch: Ich bin Hunger. Richtig: Ich bin hungrig / Ich habe Hunger.
Another common error involves the declension of 'hungrig' when used attributively. Students often forget to add the correct ending based on the noun's gender. For example, 'ein hungrig Hund' is incorrect; it must be 'ein hungriger Hund'. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'hungrig' with 'durstig' (thirsty). While they are used similarly, they describe different physical needs.
- Declension Errors
- Forgetting to add -e, -er, -en, etc., when 'hungrig' is before a noun.
Ich gebe dem hungrigen Kind einen Apfel. (Dative case ending).
Bist du hungrig? (Correct) vs. Hast du hungrig? (Incorrect).
- Word Order
- In questions, the verb 'sein' must come first: 'Bist du hungrig?'
Warum bist du so hungrig? Hast du nicht gefrühstückt?
To expand your vocabulary, it's helpful to look at words related to 'hungrig'. The most direct opposite is 'satt' (full/satisfied). While 'hungrig' describes the need for food, 'satt' describes the state of having had enough. Another related term is 'appetitlich' (appetizing), which describes food that makes you feel hungry.
- Hungrig vs. Satt
- 'Hungrig' is the desire to eat; 'satt' is the feeling after eating. Note: 'satt' can also mean 'fed up' (Ich habe es satt).
Erst war ich hungrig, jetzt bin ich satt.
For extreme hunger, Germans use 'ausgehungert' (famished/starved). This word implies a longer period without food. In slang, you might hear 'Kohldampf haben', which is a very informal way to say you are very hungry. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're at a formal dinner or a casual BBQ with friends.
- Hungrig vs. Ausgehungert
- 'Hungrig' is standard; 'ausgehungert' is much stronger, often used for people or animals that haven't eaten in days.
Die ausgehungerten Tiere suchten im Wald nach Nahrung.
Ich habe keinen Hunger, aber ich habe Appetit auf Schokolade.
- Hungrig vs. Durstig
- Hungrig = food; Durstig = water/liquids. Both are A1 level essentials.
Bist du hungrig oder nur durstig?
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Adjective endings
Predicative vs Attributive
Comparison of adjectives
Subordinate clauses with 'weil'
Noun-adjective compounds
Exemplos por nível
Ich bin hungrig.
I am hungry.
Simple predicative use of the adjective.
Bist du hungrig?
Are you hungry?
Question format with verb-first order.
Das Kind ist hungrig.
The child is hungry.
Third person singular.
Wir sind hungrig.
We are hungry.
First person plural.
Bist du nicht hungrig?
Are you not hungry?
Negative question.
Ich bin sehr hungrig.
I am very hungry.
Use of 'sehr' as an intensifier.
Sie sind hungrig.
They are hungry.
Third person plural.
Hallo, ich bin hungrig!
Hello, I am hungry!
Basic greeting and statement.
Ich bin hungrig, weil ich kein Frühstück hatte.
I am hungry because I had no breakfast.
Subordinate clause with 'weil'.
Der hungrige Hund bellt.
The hungry dog barks.
Attributive use with masculine nominative ending -er.
Möchtest du etwas essen? Du siehst hungrig aus.
Would you like to eat something? You look hungry.
Use of 'aussehen' (to look like).
Ich war gestern sehr hungrig.
I was very hungry yesterday.
Past tense 'war'.
Die hungrigen Kinder essen Äpfel.
The hungry children are eating apples.
Plural attributive ending -en.
Bist du hungriger als ich?
Are you hungrier than me?
Comparative form 'hungriger'.
Nach dem Sport bin ich immer hungrig.
After sports, I am always hungry.
Prepositional phrase 'Nach dem Sport'.
Ein hungriger Mann ist ein böser Mann.
A hungry man is an angry man.
Proverbial usage.
Obwohl er hungrig war, hat er nichts gegessen.
Although he was hungry, he ate nothing.
Concession clause with 'obwohl'.
Ich habe den hungrigen Vögeln Brot gegeben.
I gave bread to the hungry birds.
Dative plural adjective ending -en.
Sie ist hungrig nach neuen Erfahrungen im Ausland.
She is hungry for new experiences abroad.
Metaphorical use with 'nach'.
Es ist schwer, sich zu konzentrieren, wenn man hungrig ist.
It is hard to concentrate when one is hungry.
Conditional 'wenn' clause.
Das ist die hungrigste Katze, die ich je gesehen habe.
That is the hungriest cat I have ever seen.
Superlative form 'hungrigste'.
Wir sollten gehen, bevor die Kinder zu hungrig werden.
We should go before the children get too hungry.
Use of 'werden' (to become).
Er sah mich mit einem hungrigen Blick an.
He looked at me with a hungry gaze.
Adjective in a prepositional phrase.
Bist du hungrig genug für ein Drei-Gänge-Menü?
Are you hungry enough for a three-course meal?
Use of 'genug' (enough).
Die hungrige Meute stürzte sich auf das Buffet.
The hungry crowd rushed to the buffet.
Collective noun 'Meute' with attributive adjective.
Er ist ein machthungriger Politiker.
He is a power-hungry politician.
Compound adjective 'machthungrig'.
Die wirtschaftliche Lage lässt viele Menschen hungrig zurück.
The economic situation leaves many people hungry.
Resultative construction with 'zurücklassen'.
Ich bin so hungrig, dass ich mich kaum noch auf den Beinen halten kann.
I am so hungry that I can hardly stay on my feet.
Consecutive 'so... dass' clause.
Der Film handelt von einer hungrigen Seele auf der Suche nach Liebe.
The film is about a hungry soul in search of love.
Abstract metaphorical usage.
Trotz des hungrigen Zustands blieb er höflich.
Despite the hungry state, he remained polite.
Genitive case with 'trotz'.
Die Firma ist hungrig auf Innovationen.
The company is hungry for innovations.
Business context metaphor.
Sein hungriger Ehrgeiz trieb ihn immer weiter an.
His hungry ambition drove him further and further.
Personification of ambition.
In den hungrigen Augen der Waisenkinder spiegelte sich die Hoffnung wider.
In the hungry eyes of the orphans, hope was reflected.
Literary and emotive usage.
Die sensatationshungrige Presse belagerte das Haus des Stars.
The sensation-hungry press besieged the star's house.
Compound adjective 'sensationshungrig'.
Ein hungriger Geist findet überall Nahrung für seine Gedanken.
A hungry mind finds food for its thoughts everywhere.
Philosophical metaphor.
Die Bestie war seit Tagen ausgehungert und extrem hungrig.
The beast had been famished for days and was extremely hungry.
Nuance between 'ausgehungert' and 'hungrig'.
Seine hungrige Gier nach Gold kannte keine Grenzen.
His hungry greed for gold knew no bounds.
Pleonastic use for emphasis.
Wir leben in einer konsumhungrigen Gesellschaft.
We live in a consumption-hungry society.
Sociological critique.
Die hungrige Flamme verzehrte das trockene Holz in Sekunden.
The hungry flame consumed the dry wood in seconds.
Metaphorical use for fire.
Er war wissenshungrig und las jede Nacht bis zum Morgengrauen.
He was hungry for knowledge and read every night until dawn.
Compound 'wissenshungrig'.
Das Werk zeugt von einer hungrigen Auseinandersetzung mit der Existenz.
The work bears witness to a hungry engagement with existence.
Highly abstract academic usage.
In der hungrigen Stille des Raumes hörte man nur das Ticken der Uhr.
In the hungry silence of the room, only the ticking of the clock was heard.
Synesthetic metaphor (hungry silence).
Die Dialektik des hungrigen Verlangens ist ein zentrales Thema seiner Philosophie.
The dialectic of hungry desire is a central theme of his philosophy.
Complex philosophical terminology.
Hungrig nach Transzendenz, wandte er sich der Mystik zu.
Hungry for transcendence, he turned to mysticism.
Spiritual context.
Die hungrige Mephistopheles-Figur verkörpert das ewige Streben.
The hungry Mephistopheles figure embodies eternal striving.
Literary analysis.
Seine Prosa ist hungrig, fast schon gierig in ihrer Detailfülle.
His prose is hungry, almost greedy in its wealth of detail.
Literary criticism.
Die hungrige Leere in seinem Herzen konnte durch nichts gefüllt werden.
The hungry void in his heart could be filled by nothing.
Existential metaphor.
Eine hungrige Epoche, die nach radikalen Veränderungen lechzt.
A hungry epoch that thirsts for radical changes.
Historical/Sociopolitical metaphor.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Padrões de frases
Como usar
Can be used for any strong desire.
Use 'hungrig' for the state, 'Hunger' for the noun.
- Saying 'Ich bin Hunger' instead of 'Ich bin hungrig'.
- Forgetting the -er ending in 'ein hungriger Junge'.
- Confusing 'hungrig' with 'durstig'.
- Using 'hungrig' when you mean 'satt'.
- Mispronouncing the 'ig' as a hard 'g'.
Dicas
Adjective Endings
Always check the gender of the noun when using 'hungrig' as an attribute.
Bärenhungrig
Use this word to sound more like a native when you are very hungry.
Politeness
Even if you are hungrig, wait for the 'Guten Appetit' signal.
Soft 'ch'
Practice the 'ig' ending to sound authentic.
Compounds
Try making your own compounds like 'reisehungrig' (hungry for travel).
Context Clues
If you hear 'essen', 'hungrig' is likely nearby.
Best Cook
Remember 'Hunger ist der beste Koch' to describe simple tasty food.
Satt vs Hungrig
Learn these two together as a pair.
Interchangeability
Switch between 'Ich bin hungrig' and 'Ich habe Hunger' to vary your speech.
Hungry Hippo
Use the English cognate to remember the meaning easily.
Memorize
Origem da palavra
Contexto cultural
During Oktoberfest, being 'hungrig' is expected to enjoy the large portions of Hendl and Brezn.
It is common to wait for a 'Guten Appetit' before starting to eat.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"Bist du schon hungrig?"
"Was essen wir, wenn wir hungrig sind?"
"Wo gehst du hin, wenn du bärenhungrig bist?"
"Warst du heute schon hungrig?"
"Bist du hungrig nach Erfolg?"
Temas para diário
Wann warst du das letzte Mal so richtig hungrig?
Was ist dein Lieblingsessen, wenn du hungrig bist?
Beschreibe das Gefühl, hungrig zu sein.
Bist du ein 'wissenshungriger' Mensch?
Was machst du gegen Heißhunger?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is grammatically perfect, though 'Ich habe Hunger' is more common in daily speech.
'Hungrig' is normal hunger; 'ausgehungert' means you are starving or famished.
You can say 'Ich verhungere' or 'Ich bin bärenhungrig'.
Yes, if it comes before a noun, like 'ein hungriger Mann'.
Yes, like 'hungrig nach Erfolg' (hungry for success).
The opposite is 'satt' (full/satisfied).
It is slightly more formal than 'Hunger haben', but used in all contexts.
In most of Germany, it is pronounced like a soft 'ch' (ich-Laut).
It means 'hungry as a bear'—extremely hungry.
No, that is incorrect. You must say 'Ich habe Hunger' or 'Ich bin hungrig'.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Translate: 'I am very hungry.'
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Translate: 'Are you hungry?'
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Translate: 'The hungry child eats.'
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Translate: 'I was hungry yesterday.'
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Translate: 'We are hungry for success.'
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Translate: 'He looks hungry.'
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Translate: 'I am hungrier than you.'
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Translate: 'The hungriest dog.'
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Translate: 'I am not hungry.'
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Translate: 'Why are they hungry?'
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Translate: 'A hungry man.'
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Translate: 'Hungry eyes.'
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Translate: 'I am hungry because I didn't eat.'
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Translate: 'She is hungry for knowledge.'
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Translate: 'The cat is hungry.'
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Translate: 'Are you still hungry?'
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Translate: 'I am extremely hungry.'
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Translate: 'Hungry for adventure.'
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Translate: 'The hungry wolf.'
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Translate: 'I am always hungry after sports.'
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Say 'I am hungry' in German.
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Ask someone if they are hungry.
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Say 'I am very hungry' using 'bärenhungrig'.
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Say 'The hungry dog' in German.
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Say 'I am hungrier than you.'
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Say 'I am hungry for success.'
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Ask 'Who is the hungriest?'
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Say 'I am not hungry, I am full.'
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Say 'I look hungry.'
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Say 'We are hungry.'
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Say 'Are they hungry?'
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Say 'The hungry children.'
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Say 'I am hungry for knowledge.'
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Say 'He is power-hungry.'
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Say 'I was hungry.'
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Say 'I am getting hungry.'
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Say 'A hungry stomach.'
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Say 'Hungry for adventure.'
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Say 'Don't be hungry.'
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Say 'Why are you hungry?'
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Listen and identify the word: 'Ich bin hungrig.'
Listen: 'Bist du hungrig?' Is it a question or statement?
Listen: 'Der hungrige Wolf.' Which animal is mentioned?
Listen: 'Ich bin bärenhungrig.' How hungry is the person?
Listen: 'Sind Sie hungrig?' Who is being addressed?
Listen: 'Ich war hungrig.' What tense is used?
Listen: 'Die hungrigen Kinder.' Singular or plural?
Listen: 'Er ist machthungrig.' What is he hungry for?
Listen: 'Ich bin hungriger als gestern.' What is the comparison?
Listen: 'Hunger ist der beste Koch.' What is the last word?
Listen: 'Wissenshungrig.' How many syllables?
Listen: 'Satt oder hungrig?' What are the choices?
Listen: 'Ein hungriges Kind.' What is the gender of the noun?
Listen: 'Wir sind hungrig nach Erfolg.' What is the goal?
Listen: 'Warum bist du so hungrig?' What is the adverb?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'hungrig' is your go-to adjective for expressing hunger in German. While 'Ich habe Hunger' is more common in casual speech, 'hungrig' is versatile, appearing in metaphors like 'erfolgshungrig' (hungry for success) and requiring careful adjective endings in phrases like 'ein hungriger Gast'.
- Hungrig is the German adjective for 'hungry', used to describe the physical need for food or a metaphorical desire for things like success.
- It is commonly used with the verb 'sein' (to be), as in 'Ich bin hungrig', though 'Ich habe Hunger' is also very frequent.
- As an adjective, it must be declined when used before a noun, taking endings like -e, -er, or -en depending on the context.
- It is a core A1 vocabulary word essential for daily life, restaurant visits, and expressing personal well-being in German-speaking countries.
Adjective Endings
Always check the gender of the noun when using 'hungrig' as an attribute.
Bärenhungrig
Use this word to sound more like a native when you are very hungry.
Politeness
Even if you are hungrig, wait for the 'Guten Appetit' signal.
Soft 'ch'
Practice the 'ig' ending to sound authentic.
Exemplo
Ich bin hungrig, lass uns essen gehen.
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