schnulzig
The English word 'cheesy' can be translated into German as schnulzig. Wiktionary also lists voller Klischees.
Meaning: overdramatic, clichéd (adj)
Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| schnulzig |
| voller Klischees |
The adjective schnulzig is used to describe sentimental, overly romantic or 'sappy' content like movies or songs. If you want to describe something that is cheesy because it lacks originality, you may use voller Klischees. The word Kitschig refers to something tacky or tastelessly sentimental.
Which one should you use?
While both mean 'cheesy', schnulzig specifically implies a high level of sentimentality or mushiness, whereas voller Klischees implies a lack of originality.
Did you know?
- The word Kitsch is so influential that it was adopted directly into English to describe art that is considered gaudy or sentimental.
- While 'cheesy' in English can sometimes imply something is fun or ironically good, using schnulzig in German almost always carries a negative, mocking tone.
- The term schnulzig is derived from the slang word Schnulze, which is a derogatory term for a sentimental, tear-jerking song or film.
Examples in context
- Diese Sendung ist schnulzig.This show is cheesy.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a show as schnulzig.Tatoeba #6896035 by brauchinet, translation #6894743 by Eccles17
- Das Fondue ist wirklich käsig, aber auf eine gute Art und Weise.The Fondue is really cheesy, but in a good way.
- Der Film war total schnulzig.The movie was totally cheesy.
- Ich mag diese schnulzigen Lieder nicht.I don't like these cheesy songs.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are discussing a card Maximilian wrote.
- MaximilianFindest du meine Karte schön, Hannah?Do you find my card beautiful, Hannah?
- HannahSie ist mir ein bisschen zu schnulzig.It is a bit too cheesy for me.
- MaximilianWirklich? Ich fand sie romantisch.Really? I thought it was romantic.
- HannahEs ist einfach zu viel Kitsch.It's just too much kitsch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheesy” translations and entries schnulzig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schnulzig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
