rostig
/ˈʁɔstɪç/
The English phrase "rusty" can be translated into German as rostig.
The word rostig is primarily used in its literal sense to describe metal that has oxidized and is covered in rust. To express the idea of being out of practice, German speakers often use the expression Aus der Übung sein.
Meaning: lacking recent experience, out of practice (adj)
Which one should you use?
While rostig can be used metaphorically, the word eingerostet is the more common and natural way to describe a person who is out of practice or has lost their skills.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁɔstɪç/
Did you know?
- The German word eingerostet literally means 'rusted in', suggesting that your skills have become physically stuck or fused together like old machinery.
- In some technical contexts, Germans use korrodiert instead of rostig to be more precise, as Rost specifically refers to iron while Korrosion covers all metals.
- The German word rostig is a cognate of the English word 'rusty'. They both descend from the Proto-Germanic word *rustagaz.
Examples in context
- Dein Messer ist rostig.Your knife is rusty.This sentence shows the literal use of rostig to describe a knife.Tatoeba #12120414 by Yorwba, translation #9192771 by CK
- Ein rostiger Schlüssel steckte im Schloss.A rusty key was set in the lock.This sentence demonstrates how rostig modifies a key.Tatoeba #12385392 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7483351 by Mithridates
- Er hat sich an einem rostigen Nagel wehgetan.He hurt himself on a rusty nail.This sentence uses rostig to describe a nail.Tatoeba #5547424 by BlundaInte, translation #3979896 by Tabasco1999
- Ich habe eine längere Pause gemacht und bin deshalb total eingerostet.I took a long break, so I'm totally rusty.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are discussing their old hobbies.
- JuliaSpielst du noch oft Tennis, Maximilian?Do you still play tennis often, Maximilian?
- MaximilianNein, ich bin leider ziemlich rostig.No, unfortunately I am quite rusty.
- JuliaDas kenne ich, ich bin auch rostig.I know that, I am also rusty.
- MaximilianWir sollten wieder zusammen trainieren.We should practice together again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rostig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rostig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
