Schwüle

sultriness

noun SHVUE-le Rare

Also means

muggy heat

Usage Note

Schwüle describes oppressive, humid heat that feels heavier than dry warmth; it is uncountable. The adjective schwül is easily confused by learners with schwul (gay) — the umlaut is essential to the meaning.

Examples

"Vor dem Gewitter lag eine drückende Schwüle über der Stadt."

Natural Translation

Before the thunderstorm an oppressive sultriness lay over the city.

Literal Translation

Before the thunderstorm lay an oppressive sultriness over the city.

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