oberflächlich

superficial, shallow

adjective oh-ber-FLAEKH-likh Rare

Also means

cursory

Usage Note

Oberflächlich describes thinking, conversation, or character that stays at the surface without depth. A oberflächliche Beziehung is a shallow relationship. The opposite is tiefgründig (profound). It is clearly pejorative when applied to people.

Examples

"Seine oberflächliche Vorbereitung war an der Prüfung sofort erkennbar."

Natural Translation

His superficial preparation was immediately apparent in the exam.

Literal Translation

His superficial preparation was at the exam immediately recognisable.

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