leicht bewölkt
The English phrase "partly cloudy" is translated into German as leicht bewölkt.
The phrase describes a weather condition where some clouds are present in the sky, but the sun remains visible.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of leicht (light/lightly) and bewölkt (clouded/cloudy).
Which one should you use?
While leicht bewölkt implies some cloud cover, the word heiter is used to describe weather that is clear or bright.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective phrase describing weather, it remains leicht bewölkt regardless of whether the subject is masculine, feminine or neuter (for example, Es ist leicht bewölkt).
Did you know?
- German distinguishes between bewölkt (cloudy) and bedeckt (overcast), where bedeckt literally means 'covered', like a table with a tablecloth.
- In German weather reports, you might hear the term heiter bis wolkig, which literally means 'serene to cloudy'.
- The English word 'light' and the German word leicht share a common Proto-Indo-European ancestor, even though they have evolved to describe different qualities in many contexts.
Examples in context
- Der Wetterbericht sagt für heute teilweise bewölktes Wetter voraus.The weather forecast predicts partly cloudy weather for today.
- Heute gibt es ein paar Wolken am Himmel, aber keine Regenschauer.Today, there are a few clouds in the sky, but no rain showers.
- Das Wetter wird heute leicht bewölkt sein, aber es ist immer noch warm.The weather will be lightly cloudy today, but it's still warm.
- Heute ist es leicht bewölkt.Today it is partly cloudy.
- Morgen wird es leicht bewölkt sein.Tomorrow it will be partly cloudy.
- Der Himmel ist leicht bewölkt.The sky is partly cloudy.
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are planning a walk in the park.
- SarahWie ist das Wetter draußen, Felix?How is the weather outside, Felix?
- FelixEs ist momentan nur leicht bewölkt.It is currently only partly cloudy.
- SarahDas ist perfekt für unseren Spaziergang.That is perfect for our walk.
- FelixJa, die Sonne scheint immer noch.Yes, the sun is still shining.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
