dreckig
dirty
Covered with dirt, dust, or grime; not clean.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Fußballspielen im Regen war seine Kleidung komplett dreckig.
After playing soccer in the rain, his clothes were completely dirty.
dreckig
dirty
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Meanings
dreckig
dirty
In a figurative sense, offensive, indecent, or morally questionable. Often refers to jokes, language, or actions.
EXAMPLE
Er hat das Spiel mit einem dreckigen Foul für sich entschieden.
He won the game with a dirty foul.
dreckig
awful
Colloquial for feeling very bad physically or emotionally.
EXAMPLE
Mit dieser Grippe fühle ich mich einfach nur dreckig.
With this flu, I just feel awful.
dreckig
dirty
Describes a laugh that sounds suggestive, maliciously pleased, or sly.
EXAMPLE
Als sein Plan aufging, lachte er dreckig.
When his plan worked, he laughed dirtily.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'dreckig' (dirty) is derived directly from the noun 'der Dreck' (dirt/grime), which means dirt or filth. It is the quality of being covered with dirt.
EXAMPLE
Zieh deine Schuhe aus, sie sind voller Dreck.
Take off your shoes; they are full of dirt.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, 'dreckig' (dirty) describes not only physical dirt, but also morally bad or unfair behavior. Typical combinations are 'dreckige Witze' (dirty jokes), 'dreckige Tricks' (dirty tricks), or 'ein dreckiges Geschäft' (a dirty business/deal).
EXAMPLE
Er hat mit einem dreckigen Trick gewonnen.
He won with a dirty trick.
Feeling bad
The expression 'sich dreckig fühlen' (to feel awful) or 'es geht mir dreckig' (I feel awful) is colloquial and means that someone feels very bad physically or emotionally, e.g., because of illness or sadness.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Trennung ging es ihm wochenlang richtig dreckig.
After the breakup, he felt really awful for weeks.
Typical collocation
The fixed combination 'dreckig lachen' (to laugh dirtily) describes a laugh that does not sound cheerful, but rather maliciously pleased, mean, or suggestive.
EXAMPLE
Als er sah, dass ich hingefallen war, lachte er dreckig.
When he saw that I had fallen down, he laughed dirtily.
Compare with
dreckig vs mies
lousy / awful
Mies and dreckig can both colloquially describe feeling physically or emotionally bad. Dreckig usually sounds stronger and is especially common in the expression „jemandem geht es dreckig“ (someone is feeling awful). Mies is more suitable for ordinary discomfort, while dreckig is more suitable for extreme misery.
dreckig
Nach der Trennung ging es Paul so dreckig, dass er kaum schlafen konnte.
After the breakup, Paul felt so awful that he could barely sleep.
mies
Nach der Trennung fühlte sich Paul einige Tage mies.
After the breakup, Paul felt lousy for several days.
In real life
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