aufgebläht
bloated
Strongly enlarged or swollen due to air or gas inside.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Essen war ihr Bauch stark aufgebläht.
After eating, her stomach was very bloated.
aufgebläht
bloated
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Meanings
aufgebläht
bloated
Enlarged or expanded beyond what is necessary or appropriate. This derogatory term is used especially for organizations, administrations, and extensive presentations.
EXAMPLE
Die aufgeblähte Verwaltung verursacht unnötig hohe Kosten.
The bloated administration causes unnecessarily high costs.
aufgebläht
pompous / inflated
Appearing exaggeratedly important and self-satisfied, or designed in a way that pretends to convey special significance. The term is derogatory.
EXAMPLE
Hinter seinen aufgeblähten Worten steckte nur eine sehr einfache Idee.
Behind his pompous words was just a very simple idea.
Forms
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to aufgebläht.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to aufgebläht.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to aufgebläht.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Aufgebläht' (bloated) is the past participle of the separable verb 'aufblähen' (to inflate) and is also used as an adjective. The basic idea of inflating is transferred to physical, organizational, or linguistic excess in size.
EXAMPLE
Der aufgeblähte Ballon platzte plötzlich.
The inflated balloon suddenly burst.
Die aufgeblähte Struktur der Organisation erschwert schnelle Entscheidungen.
The bloated structure of the organization makes quick decisions difficult.
Typical collocations
In its physical sense, 'aufgebläht' (bloated) is often used with Bauch (stomach), Magen (stomach), or Körper (body). Typical collocations are 'ein aufgeblähter Bauch' (a bloated stomach) and 'ein aufgeblähter Magen' (a bloated stomach).
EXAMPLE
Nach der ungewohnten Mahlzeit hatte er einen aufgeblähten Bauch.
After the unfamiliar meal, he had a bloated stomach.
Administrative language
In this sense, 'aufgebläht' (bloated) is especially often used to describe Verwaltungen (administrations), Bürokratien (bureaucracies), Apparate (bureaucratic systems), or Strukturen (structures). The adjective often comes before a noun and evaluates their excessive size or complexity.
EXAMPLE
Der aufgeblähte Verwaltungsapparat braucht dringend eine Reform.
The bloated administrative apparatus urgently needs reform.
Language and demeanor
In this sense, 'aufgebläht' (pompous / inflated) is often combined with words related to language and demeanor, such as 'Worte' (words), 'Reden' (speeches), or 'Selbstdarstellung' (self-presentation). It refers to an exaggerated impression of importance.
EXAMPLE
Seine aufgeblähte Rede beeindruckte das Publikum zunächst, blieb aber ohne konkrete Aussagen.
His pompous speech initially impressed the audience, but it contained no concrete statements.
In real life
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