mixed / streaky / overgrown
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mixed
Neither especially good nor especially bad; mediocre. The term is often used to describe a performance, result, or quality that has mixed or only average characteristics.
Die Kritiken für den neuen Film waren eher durchwachsen.
The reviews for the new film were rather mixed.
'Durchwachsen' is the past participle of the inseparable verb 'durchwachsen' (to grow through something). This origin explains the different meanings: something is 'durchwachsen' (shot through/streaked) with fat, weeds, or even mixed results.
Das Beet ist mit Unkraut durchwachsen.
The flower bed is overgrown with weeds.
The three meanings of 'durchwachsen' are very different. The context makes it clear what is meant: with meat, it is about fat; with gardens, about plants; and with abstract things like performances or reviews, about mediocre quality.
Die Leistung der Mannschaft war in dieser Saison eher durchwachsen.
The team's performance this season was rather mixed.
In the meaning 'mittelmäßig' (mediocre), 'durchwachsen' is often used to evaluate abstract results. Typical combinations are: 'eine durchwachsene Bilanz' (a mixed record), 'ein durchwachsenes Ergebnis' (a mixed result), or 'durchwachsene Kritiken' (mixed reviews).
Nach einem durchwachsenen Start wurde das Projekt doch noch ein Erfolg.
After a mixed start, the project turned out to be a success after all.
In the meaning 'bewachsen' (covered/overgrown), 'durchwachsen' is often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative. This describes which plant is growing through the area.
Die alte Mauer ist vollständig mit Efeu durchwachsen.
The old wall is completely overgrown with ivy.
average
'durchschnittlich' and 'durchwachsen' can both mean that something is not especially good. 'durchschnittlich' is more neutral: something is within the normal range. 'durchwachsen' sounds more critical and often means that there are both good and bad sides. An average film is simply not special. A 'durchwachsen' film may have some good scenes, but also clear weaknesses. Learners may confuse the words because neither expresses a strongly positive evaluation. 'durchschnittlich' fits better for a normal average, while 'durchwachsen' fits mixed results.
Die Veranstaltung war durchwachsen: Die Musik war gut, aber die Organisation war schlecht.
The event was mixed: the music was good, but the organization was poor.
Die Leistung des Mitarbeiters war solide, aber insgesamt durchschnittlich.
The employee's performance was solid, but overall average.