staubig
/ˈʃtaʊ̯bɪç/
The English word "dusty" is translated into German as staubig.
staubig is an adjective used to describe something that is covered with dust.
Meaning: covered with dust (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun Staub (dust) and the suffix -ig, which forms an adjective meaning "-y" or "full of".
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, staubig changes its ending depending on the noun it describes. When used as an attributive adjective before a feminine noun, it takes the ending -e, such as in eine staubige Kiste. When used in the accusative masculine singular or dative case, it takes the ending -en, such as in einen staubigen Tisch.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃtaʊ̯bɪç/
Did you know?
- While staubig describes physical dust, the German phrase Staub fressen literally means 'to eat dust' and is used when someone is following closely behind another vehicle.
- The word staubig is cognate with the Hunsrik word staavich, a dialect of German spoken in Brazil.
- While staubig describes physical dust, Germans might use the expression Staub aufwirbeln to mean 'stirring up trouble' or 'causing a commotion' in a metaphorical sense.
Examples in context
- Die Möbel waren staubig.The furniture was dusty.This sentence shows how to use staubig to describe furniture.Tatoeba #676977 by kolonjano, translation #24105 by CK
- Es war sehr staubig im Haus.The house was very dusty.This sentence demonstrates using staubig to describe the air or environment inside a house.Tatoeba #4948394 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4945660 by Hybrid
- Tom fand auf dem Dachboden seines Großvaters eine staubige Kiste voller Fotos.Tom found a dusty box full of photos in his grandfather's attic.This sentence illustrates the use of the feminine adjective form staubige before a noun.Tatoeba #3372250 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3371926 by patgfisher
- Die Bücherregale sind schon verstaubt.The bookshelves are already dusty.
- Ein staubiger RaumA dusty room
- Eine staubige StraßeA dusty street
- Ein staubiges BuchA dusty book
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are cleaning out an old garage.
- SarahDer Boden hier ist sehr staubig.The floor here is very dusty.
- MaximilianJa, wir müssen gründlich putzen.Yes, we need to clean thoroughly.
- SarahHast du den Besen gefunden, Maximilian?Did you find the broom, Maximilian?
- MaximilianJa, er liegt in der Ecke.Yes, it is lying in the corner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dusty” translations and entries staubig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries staubig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
