Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| klein | /klaɪ̯n/ |
| kümmerlich | |
| mickrig | /ˈmɪkʁɪç/ /ˈmɪkʁɪk/ |
| schwächlich | /ˈʃvɛçlɪç/ |
While klein is the basic way to say small, other forms specify the type of puniness. Use mickrig to describe something that is puny or measly, particularly when referring to insultingly small portions of food or amounts of money. You can also use the slang term Pille-Palle to describe something that is unimportant or trivial, or use Fliegengewicht to metaphorically describe something as lightweight and insignificant.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the context of the smallness. klein simply means small, whereas kümmerlich is used to describe something that is puny due to stunted development, poor growth or a lack of nourishment. If you are describing a person or animal that is puny in terms of physical strength and frailty, use schwächlich. For general size or amount, mickrig serves as a way to describe something as disappointingly small or insignificant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term mickrig is a colloquial way to describe a person, size or amount.
How do you pronounce it?
/klaɪ̯n/
Did you know?
- In its ancient Proto-Indo-European roots, the ancestor of klein actually meant 'shining' or 'splendid' rather than small.
- The word kümmerlich is built from Kummer which means 'grief' or 'sorrow'.
Examples in context
- Der Welpe hatte einen winzigen Schwanz.The puppy had a puny tail.
- Seine Entschuldigung war doch nur Pille-Palle!His apology was just puny nonsense!
- Die Blume wirkt zwergenhaft in dem großen Garten.The flower looks puny in the large garden.
- Das ist ein kleiner Hund.That is a small dog.
- Er hat nur eine kleine Portion bekommen.He only received a small portion.
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are looking at a tiny apartment online.
- JulianDas Zimmer ist wirklich sehr klein.The room is really very small.
- SarahJa, es ist viel zu klein für uns.Yes, it is far too small for us.
- JulianSuchen wir nach etwas Größerem?Shall we look for something larger?
- SarahJa, bitte.Yes, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puny” translations and entries klein, kümmerlich, mickrig, schwächlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries klein, kümmerlich, mickrig, schwächlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
