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.

Free starter pack

Building your German vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Colors: Names, Shades, and Idioms

German colors are adjectives that take endings — say das rote Auto, not das rot Auto. Get the names, shades, the das-Rot rule, and 14 color idioms.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

Tipping in Germany: A Visitor's Etiquette Guide

Tipping in Germany means saying your total out loud, not leaving coins. Learn the exact phrases, how much to tip, and the Sie-vs-du etiquette travelers need.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

How to Tell Time in German Without Mistakes

Halb sieben means 6:30, not 7:30. Master telling time in German — Viertel nach, halb, vor, the 24-hour clock, and the prepositions that trip up beginners.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Numbers 1–100: Why 21 Is Said Backwards

German numbers 1 to 100 reverse the digits: 21 is einundzwanzig (one-and-twenty). Learn the und rule, the irregulars, and how to hear prices fast.

June 5, 2026 6 min read