locker
The German word for loose is locker.
The primary meaning of locker is to describe something that is not fitting tightly. It can also be used colloquially to describe a person's demeanor or an atmosphere as relaxed or easygoing.
Meaning: not fitting tightly (adj)
Which one should you use?
In the context of physical fit or attachment, locker is the opposite of fest, which means tight or firm.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe something as being looser, use the comparative form lockerer. The superlative form, meaning the loosest, is am lockersten.
Did you know?
- The idiom locker aus der Hüfte literally means 'loose from the hip' and describes performing a task with effortless or improvised flair.
- In a culinary context, locker describes the airy texture of a sponge cake or a mousse, translating to 'fluffy' rather than 'loose'.
- The word locker likely evolved from the Middle High German words for 'gap' and 'hole', moving from the idea of a 'gap' to a 'loose opening'.
Examples in context
- Dieser Zahn ist locker.This tooth is loose.This sentence is useful for describing a tooth using locker.Tatoeba #769387 by Esperantostern, translation #59021 by CK
- Dieser Knopf ist locker.This button is loose.This sentence is useful for describing a button using locker.Tatoeba #1354030 by Esperantostern, translation #60508 by CK
- Diese Schraube ist locker.This screw is loose.This sentence is useful for describing a screw using locker.Tatoeba #1686213 by Esperantostern, translation #1225943 by Brian255
- Die Schrauben sind nicht zu fest angezogen, sie sind locker.The screws are not tightly fastened, they are loose.
- Der Knoten ist locker gebunden.The knot is loosely tied.
- Der Reißverschluss ist nicht straff geschlossen.The zipper is not firmly closed.
- Lass uns doch ein legeres Barbecue veranstalten.Let's have a casual barbecue.
- Wir haben locker flockig den Tanzkurs gemeistert.We breezed through the dance class with ease.
- Er erzählte den Witz locker flockig, und alle lachten.He told the joke in a lighthearted way, and everyone laughed.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are talking about a piece of clothing.
- HannahWie gefällt dir das Hemd, Julian?How do you like the shirt, Julian?
- JulianEs sitzt leider viel zu locker.Unfortunately, it fits far too loose.
- HannahSoll ich dir eine kleinere Größe bringen?Should I bring you a smaller size?
- JulianJa, das wäre wirklich besser.Yes, that would really be better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry locker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries locker, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
