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.
streaky
Describes meat that is streaked with fine veins of fat, making it juicy and flavorful.
Für den Eintopf nehme ich am liebsten durchwachsenen Speck.
For the stew, I prefer to use streaky bacon.
overgrown
Describes an area that is penetrated and covered by plants, often weeds.
Der Rasen war komplett mit Klee durchwachsen.
The lawn was completely overgrown with clover.
'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.
changing / alternating
Wechselnd describes performances that change and vary at different times. Durchwachsen assesses the performance overall as mixed and neither especially good nor especially bad. With wechselnd, the focus is therefore on the change; with durchwachsen, it is on the mediocre overall result.
Die Leistungen der Mannschaft waren in dieser Saison insgesamt durchwachsen.
Overall, the team’s performance was mixed this season.
Die Leistungen der Mannschaft waren in dieser Saison stark wechselnd.
The team’s performance fluctuated considerably this season.
