Skip to content

schäbig

shabby

adjective SHAY-bikh Rare

Also means

mean; stingy

Usage Note

schäbig describes something run-down or threadbare, like ein schäbiger Mantel (a shabby coat). Figuratively it labels mean or stingy behaviour, as in ein schäbiges Angebot (a paltry offer).

Examples

"Das Zimmer war klein und ziemlich schäbig eingerichtet."

Natural Translation

The room was small and rather shabbily furnished.

Literal Translation

The room was small and rather shabby furnished.

Explore German by topic