Schleim
/ʃlaɪ̯m/masculine
The German word for slime is Schleim.
Schleim refers to a mucilaginous or mucus-like substance. You might also use the phrase klebrige Masse to specifically highlight a sticky consistency, or the word Glibber when describing something with a particularly gooey or slimy texture.
Meaning: mucilaginous substance or mucus-like substance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Schleim is the standard term for mucus or slime, Glibber is often used to describe the specific gooey texture of a substance. If you want to describe a substance as a 'sticky mass', you can use the phrase klebrige Masse.
How does it change in a sentence?
Schleim is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃlaɪ̯m/
Did you know?
- The word Schleim is often used metaphorically as Schleimen to describe someone who is acting like a 'brown-noser' or trying to win favor through excessive flattery.
- The term Schleimhaut is used to refer to a 'mucous membrane', combining the word for 'slime' with the word for 'skin'.
- When talking about snails, Germans distinguish between the animal's 'slime' Schleim and the 'slime trail' it leaves behind, often called Schleimspur.
Examples in context
- Der Schleim ist dick.The slime is thick.This sentence is useful for describing the thickness of Schleim.Tatoeba #12412681 by Yorwba, translation #10338379 by shekitten
- Aus dem Rohr sickerte grüner Schleim.There was green slime oozing out of the pipe.Tatoeba #3180705 by Manfredo, translation #3170664 by CK
- Der Schleim war schwarz und stinkend.The slime was black and stinky.Tatoeba #12412682 by Yorwba, translation #7920169 by AlanF_US
- Vorsicht vor dem Glibber auf dem Boden.Be careful with the slime on the floor.
- Hast du schon einmal diese klebrige Masse berührt?Have you ever touched this sticky mass before?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are looking at a snail in the garden.
- SarahSchau mal, die Schnecke hinterlässt viel Schleim.Look, the snail is leaving a lot of slime.
- JulianJa, der Schleim glänzt in der Sonne.Yes, the slime is glistening in the sun.
- SarahIch finde den Schleim ziemlich eklig.I find the slime quite disgusting.
- JulianFür mich sieht der Schleim aber interessant aus.But to me, the slime looks interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slime” translations and entries Schleim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
