winzig
/ˈvɪnt͡sɪç/
The German word for tiny is winzig.
winzig is an adjective used to describe something that is very small. It acts as a stronger intensifier than the neutral term klein, which is used for anything small in terms of size. For things that are so small they require a microscope, you would use mikroskopisch, while zwergenhaft is used to describe something as being dwarf-like or gnome-like.
Meaning: very small (adj)
Which one should you use?
While klein is the standard word for small, winzig specifically means tiny or minuscule to add more emphasis to the smallness of an object.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, winzig changes its ending based on the noun it describes in the nominative case: it takes the ending -e before feminine or plural nouns (e.g., winzige), the ending -es before neuter nouns (e.g., winziges), and the ending -en in many other inflected forms such as the masculine accusative or dative (e.g., winzigen).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvɪntsɪç/
Did you know?
- The word winzig is actually a super-intensified version of the common word wenig, which means 'little' or 'few'.
- In German, describing a person as winzig can sometimes sound much more condescending or diminishing than simply calling them 'small' in English.
- Because winzig is an intensification, using it to describe something that is merely 'small' can actually sound sarcastic in German.
Examples in context
- Er hat winzige Füße.He has tiny feet.This sentence shows how to use winzig to describe feet.Tatoeba #8860957 by wolfgangth, translation #8478687 by CH
- Mein Zimmer ist winzig.My room is tiny.This sentence demonstrates using winzig to describe the size of a room.Tatoeba #13062706 by Vortarulo, translation #8382734 by CK
- Die Fischlein sind winzig.The fish are tiny.This sentence shows winzig being used to describe fish.Tatoeba #12495913 by mhr, translation #12536255 by sundown
- Der kleine TischThe tiny table
- Die kleine MausThe tiny mouse
- Ein winziger KaffeeA tiny coffee
- Eine winzige BlumeA tiny flower
- Schau mal, ein winziger Marienkäfer!Look, a tiny ladybug!
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- FelixSchau mal, der Diamant ist winzig!Look, the diamond is tiny!
- JuliaJa, aber er glänzt sehr schön.Yes, but it sparkles very beautifully.
- FelixIch kann ihn kaum sehen.I can hardly see it.
- JuliaDas macht ihn so besonders, Felix.That is what makes it so special, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tiny” translations and entries winzig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries winzig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
