low / slump / deep
das Tief, die Tiefs
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low-pressure system
An area where atmospheric pressure is lower than in the surrounding area. It often brings clouds, wind, and precipitation.
Ein Tief über der Nordsee bringt am Wochenende Regen nach Deutschland.
A low-pressure system over the North Sea will bring rain to Germany this weekend.
slump
A period when mood, performance, or economic activity is significantly worse than usual.
Nach mehreren Niederlagen steckt die Mannschaft in einem sportlichen Tief.
After several defeats, the team is in a slump.
deep
An especially deep part of the ocean floor.
Das Forschungsteam untersuchte ein bisher kaum erforschtes Tief im Pazifik.
The research team investigated a previously little-explored deep in the Pacific.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Tiefs |
| genitive | des Tiefs |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Tief | die Tiefs |
| accusative | das Tief | die Tiefs |
| dative | dem Tief | den Tiefs |
| genitive | des Tiefs | der Tiefs |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Tief' (a low) developed from the adjective 'tief' (deep) and is capitalized as a noun. This allows 'Tief' (low) to refer to various low or unfavorable states as distinct, nameable occurrences.
Nach mehreren schwierigen Wochen begann die Stimmung in der Mannschaft endlich, sich aus einem Tief zu erholen.
After several difficult weeks, the team's morale finally began to recover from a slump.
In weather reports, 'Tief' (low-pressure system) often occurs with verbs such as 'aufziehen' (to move in), 'kommen' (to come), or 'weiterziehen' (to move on). The phrase 'unter dem Einfluss eines Tiefs' (under the influence of a low-pressure system) is also common.
Am Montag zieht ein Tief vom Atlantik nach Mitteleuropa.
On Monday, a low-pressure system will move from the Atlantic toward Central Europe.
To describe a difficult period, common expressions include 'in einem Tief stecken' (to be in a slump), 'ein Tief durchmachen' (to go through a slump), or 'aus einem Tief herauskommen' (to come out of a slump). The context usually involves sports, mood, personal performance, or the economy.
Nach der Trennung steckte er mehrere Wochen in einem emotionalen Tief.
After the breakup, he was in an emotional slump for several weeks.
The meaning of 'Tief' (deep) as a deep part of the ocean floor can usually be recognized from terms related to ocean research, ocean names, or depth measurements. In this sense, 'Tief' (deep) often appears in geographical names.
Das Schiff passierte ein Tief im westlichen Pazifik.
The ship passed over a deep in the western Pacific.
