stinkig
The German word for "stinky" is stinkig.
This adjective is used to describe something that has a strong, unpleasant smell.
Meaning: having a strong, unpleasant smell (adj)
Which one should you use?
miefig is used colloquially to describe a stinky smell specifically resembling mildew. unangenehm riechend is a more formal way to express that something is stinky.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, stinkig must take the appropriate declension endings to match the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies, such as in the phrase ein stinkiger Geruch (a stinky smell).
Did you know?
- The word stinkig can be used to describe a person's mood, meaning they are grumpy, irritable or 'stinking' with anger.
- In German, the word Mief refers to a stale smell, but it is also used politically to describe a stifling, conservative or oppressive atmosphere.
- The German language has a specific distinction between stinken (to smell bad) and riechen (to smell), where riechen is neutral unless accompanied by an adjective.
Examples in context
- Die Schuhe waren nach dem Sport übelriechend.The shoes were stinky after exercising.
- In dem Raum war es extrem stinkig.The room was extremely stinky.
- Die alte Kleidung im Keller riecht total miefig.The old clothes in the basement smell really stinky.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are in the kitchen.
- JulianWas ist das für ein stinkiger Fisch?What is this stinky fish?
- LauraDas ist ein Geschenk von meiner Tante.That is a gift from my aunt.
- JulianBitte bring ihn schnell nach draußen.Please take it outside quickly.
- LauraAlles klar, ich mache das sofort.All right, I'll do that immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stinky” translations and entries stinkig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
