Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| fettleibig | [ˈfɛtˌlaɪ̯bɪç] (narrow) [ˈfɛtˌlaɪ̯bɪk] (narrow) |
| fettsüchtig | /ˈfɛtˌzʏçtɪç/ /ˈfɛtˌzʏçtɪk/ |
| adipös | [ˌa.diˈpøːs] (narrow) |
These terms are used to describe someone who is extremely overweight. While fettleibig is a descriptive adjective for physical appearance, the related noun Fettleibigkeit refers to the medical condition of obesity itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The word fettleibig is a compound of Fett (fat) and Leib (body or torso).
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the context of the description. fettleibig is a descriptive adjective used to describe a person's physical appearance. In contrast, adipös is a formal, technical medical term used by doctors and in scientific contexts. The term fettsüchtig is also used to denote the state of being obese.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the adjective fettleibig into a noun referring to a person, you capitalize it and add a masculine or feminine ending, such as der Fettleibige for an obese man. The noun for the condition itself is Fettleibigkeit.
Did you know?
- The term fettsüchtig uses the word süchtig, which in modern German usually implies an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Using it to describe obesity literally translates to being 'fat-addicted'.
- The medical term adipös comes from the New Latin 'adipōsus', which is derived from the Latin word 'adeps' meaning 'fat' or 'lard'.
- While fettleibig refers to the body, the word Leib is distinct from Körper. Leib often carries a more visceral, organic, or soulful connotation of the living body.
Examples in context
- Tom ist extrem fettleibig.Tom is really obese.This sentence uses fettleibig to show how it describes a person's degree of weight.Tatoeba #10029561 by wolfgangth, translation #6532276 by CK
- Hältst du dich für fettleibig?Do you think you're obese?This sentence uses fettleibig to pose a question about a person's self-perception.Tatoeba #6472891 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3172194 by CK
- Viele Amerikaner sind fettleibig.Many Americans are obese.This sentence uses fettleibig to describe a characteristic of a group of people.Tatoeba #8157471 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #620114 by ulyssemc1
- Eine Person, die unter Fettleibigkeit leidet, sollte eine ausgewogene Ernährung anstreben.A person suffering from obesity should strive for a balanced diet.
- Die Studie zeigt, dass adipöse Menschen häufiger gesundheitliche Probleme haben.The study shows that obese individuals are more likely to have health problems.
- Mein Bruder ist ziemlich übergewichtig, aber er liebt sich so, wie er ist.My brother is quite overweight, but he loves himself the way he is.
- Sie sagt immer, dass sie nicht dick ist, nur stärker gebaut.She always says she's not fat, just more solidly built.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A doctor and a patient are discussing a health report.
- FelixDer Befund zeigt, dass der Patient fettleibig ist.The report shows that the patient is obese.
- JuliaIst das ein ernstes Gesundheitsrisiko?Is that a serious health risk?
- FelixJa, fettleibig zu sein kann gefährlich sein.Yes, being obese can be dangerous.
- JuliaDanke für die Information, Herr Doktor.Thank you for the information, doctor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obese” translations and entries fettleibig, fettsüchtig, adipös, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adipös, fettsüchtig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
