Usage Note
modrig describes the characteristic smell and feel of damp, rotting organic material — ein modriger Geruch, modrige Luft in a cellar. It focuses on the olfactory quality of decay, distinguishing it from schimmelig (visibly mouldy).
Examples
"Aus dem alten Keller stieg ein modriger Geruch auf."
Natural Translation
A musty smell rose up from the old cellar.
Literal Translation
From the old cellar rose a musty smell up.
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