geschmeidig
supple
Soft, flexible, and elastic in movement or texture. Often describes bodies, materials, or sequences of movement.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze bewegte sich geschmeidig durch den Garten.
The cat moved supplely through the garden.
geschmeidig
supple / smooth
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Meanings
geschmeidig
supple
Feeling soft and smooth, often in reference to skin or leather.
EXAMPLE
Die Creme macht die Haut wieder geschmeidig.
The cream makes the skin supple again.
geschmeidig
chill / smooth
Colloquial for smooth, uncomplicated, or relaxed.
EXAMPLE
Bleib mal geschmeidig, das kriegen wir schon hin.
Just stay chill; we'll manage it.
Usage tips
Usage pattern
A very common construction with this adjective is 'jemanden/etwas geschmeidig machen' (to make someone/something supple) or 'halten' (to keep). This describes the process of making something soft and flexible or keeping it in that state.
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßiges Dehnen hält die Muskeln geschmeidig.
Regular stretching keeps the muscles supple.
Typical collocations
In relation to movements, 'geschmeidig' (supple) is often used for animals (especially cats), dancers, or athletes. Typical combinations are 'geschmeidige Bewegungen' (supple movements) or 'ein geschmeidiger Körper' (a supple body).
EXAMPLE
Der Panther bewegte sich geschmeidig durch den Dschungel.
The panther moved supplely through the jungle.
Register and style
In the meaning of 'entspannt' (relaxed) or 'reibungslos' (smooth), 'geschmeidig' is purely colloquial. It is used mainly by younger people in informal conversations.
EXAMPLE
Die ganze Organisation lief total geschmeidig ab.
The whole organization went totally smoothly.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'Bleib geschmeidig!' is a fixed colloquial expression. It means something like 'Don't get upset!', 'Stay cool!', or 'Take it easy!'.
EXAMPLE
Hey, bleib geschmeidig, es ist doch nichts passiert!
Hey, stay chill, nothing happened!
Compare with
geschmeidig vs glatt
smooth / slippery
Glatt describes an even, non-rough surface. When used for skin or leather, geschmeidig additionally means that the material feels soft and supple. A firm surface can therefore be glatt; for soft, flexible leather, geschmeidig is a better fit.
geschmeidig
Das Leder der neuen Handschuhe ist weich und geschmeidig.
The leather of the new gloves is soft and supple.
glatt
Die Oberfläche des neuen Ledergürtels ist ganz glatt.
The surface of the new leather belt is completely smooth.
In real life
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