launisch
/ˈlaʊnɪʃ/
The English word "moody" is translated into German as launisch.
The adjective launisch describes someone who is given to sudden or frequent changes of mind or is temperamental. While it often refers to people, it can also be used metaphorically to describe unpredictable weather or even machines and technology that behave inconsistently.
Meaning: Given to sudden or frequent changes of mind, temperamental (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word launisch is derived from the noun Laune, which means mood or whim.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a predicative adjective after verbs like *sein* (to be), launisch does not take an ending. However, when used attributively before a noun, the adjective takes various endings such as launische, launischen or launisches.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlaʊnɪʃ/
Did you know?
- The word 'Laune' shares an unexpected connection with the English word 'lunatic'. Both trace back to the 'luna' or 'moon', reflecting the ancient belief that the moon's cycles caused sudden changes in human temperament and sanity.
- The word Laune can be used in the phrase eine Laune der Natur, which refers to a 'freak of nature' or an unexpected biological anomaly.
- While 'launisch' describes a temperament, if you want to say someone is in a 'bad mood', you would say they have 'schlechte Laune'. In German, 'mood' is something you possess rather than something you are.
Examples in context
- Tom ist sehr launisch.Tom is very moody.This sentence shows how to use launisch to describe a person.Tatoeba #7193419 by Luiaard, translation #3415152 by CK
- Sie ist bisweilen launisch.She can be moody at times.This sentence illustrates how to describe someone being moody at times using launisch.Tatoeba #6139430 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3250957 by Hybrid
- Warum bist du immer so launisch?Why are you so moody all the time?This sentence demonstrates a question about someone being frequently launisch.Tatoeba #12683577 by Waldelfe, translation #7112031 by CM
- Er ist in letzter Zeit sehr launischHe has been very moody lately.
- Er ist oft unbeständigHe is often moody.
- Sie ist heute echt miesepetrig draufShe is really moody today.
- Warum bist du so grantig?Why are you so moody?
- Sie ist extrem launischShe is extremely moody.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing a mutual friend's behavior.
- JulianIst Lukas heute wieder so launisch?Is Lukas being so moody again today?
- HannahJa, er ist momentan sehr launisch.Yes, he is very moody at the moment.
- JulianDas ist wirklich anstrengend.That is really exhausting.
- HannahDas stimmt, er braucht wohl Ruhe.That's true, he probably needs some peace.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moody” translations and entries launisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries launisch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
