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
eisig
icy
In a figurative sense: emotionally very cold, dismissive, or unfriendly. Describes a person, atmosphere, or reaction that lacks any warmth.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit herrschte ein eisiges Schweigen zwischen ihnen.
After the argument, there was an icy silence between them.
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 kalt
cold
Both words can describe very low temperatures or a lack of human warmth. “Kalt” is the more general term, while “eisig” usually emphasizes especially intense, biting cold or clear rejection. Use “kalt” for a neutral description and “eisig” for the intensified effect.
eisig
Der Wind war heute eisig, und der sonst freundliche Nachbar antwortete eisig.
The wind was icy today, and the usually friendly neighbor replied icily.
kalt
Der Wind war heute kalt, und der sonst freundliche Nachbar blieb ungewöhnlich kalt.
The wind was cold today, and the usually friendly neighbor remained unusually cold.
In real life
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