asymmetrical
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asymmetrical
Describes something that is not symmetrical. The two halves or sides of an object are unequal in shape, size, or arrangement.
Das moderne Gebäude hat eine auffällige, asymmetrische Fassade.
The modern building has a striking, asymmetrical facade.
The word is easy to understand if you know its parts: the prefix 'a-' means 'not' or 'un-'. 'Asymmetrisch' (asymmetrical) therefore literally means 'not symmetrical'.
Der Grundriss der Wohnung ist völlig asymmetrisch.
The apartment's floor plan is completely asymmetrical.
'Asymmetrisch' (asymmetrical) is often used to describe objects from the fields of design, art, or fashion. Typical combinations are 'asymmetrischer Schnitt' (asymmetrical cut), 'asymmetrische Frisur' (asymmetrical hairstyle), or 'asymmetrisches Muster' (asymmetrical pattern).
Das Kleid hat einen eleganten, asymmetrischen Schnitt.
The dress has an elegant, asymmetrical cut.
This adjective is frequently found in specialized language such as geometry, art history, or biology to describe an unequal arrangement or form.
In der Biologie sind viele Organe im Körper asymmetrisch angeordnet.
In biology, many organs in the body are arranged asymmetrically.
crooked / off-key
'schief' and 'asymmetrisch' can both describe something that looks uneven or not properly straight. Use 'schief' especially when something is not straight, not horizontal, or somewhat tilted. 'asymmetrisch' fits when two sides or halves are not the same. Learners may confuse the words because an asymmetrical object often also looks uneven. But a picture can hang crookedly on the wall without being asymmetrical. And a dress can be cut asymmetrically without hanging crookedly.
Der Rock ist asymmetrisch geschnitten und ist auf einer Seite länger.
The skirt is cut asymmetrically and is longer on one side.
Das Regal hängt schief, deshalb rutschen die Bücher nach links.
The shelf is hanging crookedly, so the books are sliding to the left.