01
aufgeweicht
softened
Having become soft and often shapeless through contact with liquid.
example
Das Brot in der Suppe war nach kurzer Zeit völlig aufgeweicht.
The bread in the soup was completely softened after a short time.
aufgeweicht
softened / watered down
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Aufgeweicht' (softened) is the past participle of the separable verb 'aufweichen' (to soften). It describes the result when something becomes soft through liquid.
EXAMPLE
Der Keks in meinem Tee ist sofort aufgeweicht.
The cookie in my tea softened immediately.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about physical things that get wet (bread, soil, cardboard), it is meant literally. If it is about abstract concepts (rules, laws, positions), the figurative meaning 'abgeschwächt' (weakened) is intended.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem starken Regen war der ganze Boden aufgeweicht.
After the heavy rain, the whole ground was softened.
Typical collocations
In the figurative sense, 'aufgeweicht' (watered down) is often used for abstract things that lose their strictness or clarity. Typical examples are: 'aufgeweichte Regeln' (watered-down rules), 'ein aufgeweichtes Gesetz' (a watered-down law), or 'aufgeweichte Prinzipien' (watered-down principles).
EXAMPLE
Die klaren Regeln wurden durch ständige Kompromisse immer weiter aufgeweicht.
The clear rules were watered down more and more through constant compromises.
Compare with
aufgeweicht vs hart
hard
'hart' and 'aufgeweicht' can be opposites, especially with materials or rules. For objects, 'hart' means that something is firm; 'aufgeweicht' means that it has become soft through liquid. Figuratively, 'hart' can also describe a strict attitude or rule. 'Aufgeweicht' then means that this strictness has become weaker, often through exceptions or compromises. So the difference is: 'hart' remains firm or strict, while 'aufgeweicht' has become soft or is no longer as strict.
aufgeweicht
Nach dem Regen war der Boden im Garten völlig aufgeweicht.
After the rain, the soil in the garden was completely softened.
hart
Das Brot war am Morgen schon hart.
The bread was already hard in the morning.
In real life
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