01
eisig
icy
Extremely cold, similar to ice. Refers to very low temperatures of air, wind, or water.
example
Trotz der dicken Jacke spürte sie den eisigen Wind im Gesicht.
Despite the thick jacket, she felt the icy wind on her face.
eisig
icy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'eisig' (icy) is derived directly from the noun 'das Eis' (ice). The ending '-ig' means 'like' or 'full of', so literally 'like ice'.
EXAMPLE
Das Wasser im Bergsee war eisig kalt.
The water in the mountain lake was icy cold.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the noun that 'eisig' (icy) describes. If it refers to weather or temperature (e.g., wind, cold), the literal meaning is intended. If it refers to human behavior (e.g., look, silence), the figurative, emotional meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Im Januar herrschten eisige Temperaturen.
In January, there were icy temperatures.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'eisig' (icy) is often combined with weather phenomena. Common collocations are 'eisiger Wind' (icy wind), 'eisige Kälte' (icy cold), or 'eisige Temperaturen' (icy temperatures).
EXAMPLE
Ein eisiger Wind wehte über das offene Feld.
An icy wind blew across the open field.
Typical collocations
In the figurative, emotional meaning, 'eisig' (icy) describes an unfriendly atmosphere. Typical phrases are 'eisiges Schweigen' (icy silence), 'ein eisiger Blick' (an icy look), or 'eine eisige Stimme' (an icy voice).
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner unhöflichen Bemerkung herrschte eisiges Schweigen am Tisch.
After his rude remark, there was icy silence at the table.
Compare with
eisig vs heiß
hot
'heiß' and 'eisig' are clear opposites when talking about temperatures. 'heiß' describes something with a high temperature, such as tea, air, or a stovetop. 'eisig' describes extreme cold, often with wind, water, or weather. 'kalt' is general, but 'eisig' is stronger and sounds like cold caused by ice. If something is very warm, 'heiß' fits. If something is very cold and unpleasant, 'eisig' fits.
eisig
Vor der Reise wehte am Bahnhof ein eisiger Wind.
Before the trip, an icy wind was blowing at the train station.
heiß
Am Mittag war der Sand am Strand so heiß, dass wir Schuhe tragen mussten.
At midday, the sand on the beach was so hot that we had to wear shoes.
In real life
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