Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| steif | /ʃtaɪ̯f/ |
| starr | /ʃtar/ |
steif is the primary word for describing an object that is rigid, hard to bend or inflexible. It is also used metaphorically to describe social interactions that are formal, awkward or lacking in warmth, such as a steifes Gespräch (a stiff conversation). The idiom Halte die Ohren steif! literally translates to "Keep your ears stiff!", but it is used to mean "Hang in there!" or "Stay strong!" during difficult times.
Which one should you use?
While steif often describes something that lacks flexibility or feels awkward, starr is a more formal term used for objects that are completely immobile or fixed in place, such as a starrer Verband (a rigid bandage).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, steif takes standard inflectional endings based on the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies, such as ein steifer Hals for a stiff neck.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtaɪ̯f/
Did you know?
- While starr is used for physical rigidity, it is also used in German to describe a 'staring' look, as in starr ansehen, where the eyes are fixed.
- The German word steif shares a common ancestor with the English word 'stiff', stemming from the Proto-Germanic *stīfaz.
- The phrase Halte die Ohren steif! is frequently used as a parting wish in letters or emails, functioning similarly to 'keep your chin up'.
Examples in context
- Halte die Ohren steif!Stiff upper lip!This sentence uses steif to convey the idiom meaning "Hang in there!" or "Stay strong!"Tatoeba #1224707 by Esperantostern, translation #1224737 by al_ex_an_der
- Ihre Muskeln sind steif.Their muscles are stiff.This sentence uses steif to describe muscles.Tatoeba #725816 by Dejo, translation #305173 by CK
- Ich habe steife Schultern.My shoulders are stiff.This sentence uses steif to describe shoulders.Tatoeba #6149727 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5774432 by Hybrid
- Seine Krawatte war steif wie ein Brett.His tie was as stiff as a board.
- Die Atmosphäre in dem Raum war sehr steif.The atmosphere in the room was very stiff.
- Der alte Mann war bewegungslos und steif wie eine Statue.The old man was motionless and stiff like a statue.
- Das Scharnier ist zu steif, um sich zu bewegen.The hinge is too stiff to move.
- Er ist so ungelenkig, er kann kaum laufen!He is so stiff, he can barely walk!
- Sie ist ungelenkig und kann keine Bewegungen richtig ausführen.She is stiff and can't perform movements properly.
- Mein alter Nachbar hat ein Holzbein und geht deshalb etwas steif.My old neighbor has a wooden leg, so he walks a bit stiffly.
- Siehst du, wie steif er beim Tanzen ist? Wie ein Holzbein!Do you see how stiff he is when dancing? Like a wooden leg!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are looking at an old piece of clothing.
- MaximilianDer Stoff des Hemdes ist sehr steif.The fabric of the shirt is very stiff.
- SarahJa, er ist kaum zu biegen.Yes, it is hardly possible to bend it.
- MaximilianDas Material fühlt sich auch steif an.The material also feels stiff.
- SarahDas stimmt, er ist viel zu hart.That's true, it is much too hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stiff” translations and entries steif, starr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries starr, steif, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
