Launenhaftigkeit

moodiness, capriciousness, mercurial temperament

noun LOW-nen-haf-tig-kite Rare

Usage Note

Launenhaftigkeit describes the tendency to swing between moods unpredictably. The root Laune (mood/whim) makes the derivation transparent; it is a common topic in relationship advice and personality discussions.

Examples

"Die Launenhaftigkeit des Chefs hielt das gesamte Team in Atem."

Natural Translation

The boss's moodiness kept the entire team on edge.

Literal Translation

The moodiness of-the boss held the entire team in breath.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Compound Words: How to Read Any Long Word

Read any long German word by working right-to-left: the last noun sets the meaning and gender, and the small linking letters are just glue. Here's the drill.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Order Food in German: Restaurant Phrases

Order food in German with confidence: use ich hätte gern, read the Speisekarte, ask die Rechnung bitte, and handle zusammen oder getrennt like a local.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

Du vs. Sie: When to Use Each in German

Use Sie with strangers, elders, and at work; use du with friends, family, kids, and peers. Here's how to pick the right German you every time.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Greetings by Region: Grüß Gott to Grüezi

German greetings change by region: say Moin in Hamburg, Grüß Gott in Bavaria, Grüezi in Switzerland. A map of every hello and goodbye, plus du vs. Sie.

June 5, 2026 6 min read