Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| bewölkt | [bəˈvœlkt] (narrow) |
| wolkig | /ˈvɔlkɪç/ /ˈvɔlkɪk/ |
Both terms are used to describe weather that is covered with or characterized by clouds. You can describe the density of the cover using terms like dicht (dense) or leicht (light), or describe the accompanying weather as stürmisch (stormy).
What does it mean word for word?
The word bewölkt is a past participle used as an adjective, where Wolke (cloud) is the root.
Which one should you use?
While both mean cloudy, bewölkt often implies a more significant or complete cloud cover. In contrast, wolkig is used as a more general description of a cloudy state.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a predicative adjective (e.g., 'Es ist bewölkt'), the word does not take an ending. You can use the verbs werden (to become) and bleiben (to remain) to describe changes in the state of the sky.
Did you know?
- If you see clouds starting to break up and reveal the blue sky, Germans might use the word aufgelockert. This literally translates to 'loosened' or 'relaxed', describing the breaking pattern of the clouds.
- The word trüb is used for both a cloudy liquid and a 'gloomy' mood, whereas wolkig is strictly for the sky.
- To describe a sky where clouds are parting, Germans use aufgelockert, a word that literally means 'loosened' or 'relaxed'.
Examples in context
- Es ist heute wolkig.It's cloudy today.This sentence shows how to use wolkig to describe today's weather.Tatoeba #3304056 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #242680 by CK
- Es ist heute bewölkt.It is cloudy today.This sentence demonstrates the use of bewölkt for today's weather.Tatoeba #1736965 by Espi, translation #242947 by CC
- Heute ist es bewölkt.Today is cloudy.This sentence provides an alternative word order using bewölkt for today's weather.Tatoeba #8931515 by Yorwba, translation #11051412 by sundown
- Es ist bewölkt.It is cloudy.
- Es wird wolkig.It is becoming cloudy.
- Es bleibt bewölkt.It remains cloudy.
- Es ist stark bewölkt.It is heavily cloudy.
- Das Wetter bleibt leicht bewölkt.The weather remains lightly cloudy.
- Heute ist es stürmisch und wolkig.Today it is stormy and cloudy.
- Gestern war es bewölkt.Yesterday, it was cloudy.
- Heute sieht es wolkig aus.Today, it looks cloudy.
- 60 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are planning a walk in the park.
- HannahSchau mal, der Himmel ist ganz bewölkt.Look, the sky is completely cloudy.
- FelixGlaubst du, dass es gleich regnet?Do you think it will rain soon?
- HannahJa, es sieht wirklich sehr bewölkt aus.Yes, it looks really cloudy.
- FelixDann nehmen wir lieber einen Regenschirm mit.Then we should probably take an umbrella with us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cloudy” translations and entries bewölkt, wolkig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
