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grimmig
grim
Having a very angry, dark, or relentless facial expression.
example
Der Trainer schaute seine Mannschaft nach der Niederlage grimmig an.
The coach looked grimly at his team after the defeat.
grimmig
grim
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'grimmig' is closely related to the noun 'der Grimm', an old term for strong anger or rage. So someone who looks 'grimmig' (grim) shows their anger in their face.
EXAMPLE
Sein Gesichtsausdruck war voller Grimm.
His facial expression was full of rage.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'grimmig' from the context. If it refers to a person, their gaze, or their face, it means 'angry' or 'grim'. If it describes the weather or pain, it means 'very intense and unpleasant'.
EXAMPLE
Der alte König blickte den Boten grimmig an.
The old king looked grimly at the messenger.
Typical collocations
When referring to an angry facial expression, 'grimmig' is often combined with verbs of looking or with nouns for the face. Typical phrases are 'grimmig schauen' (to look grim), 'grimmig blicken' (to gaze grimly), or 'eine grimmige Miene' (a grim expression).
EXAMPLE
Mit grimmiger Miene verließ er den Raum, ohne ein Wort zu sagen.
With a grim expression, he left the room without saying a word.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'intense and unpleasant', 'grimmig' is used almost exclusively for cold or pain. Common combinations are 'grimmige Kälte' (bitter cold), 'grimmiger Frost' (severe frost), or 'grimmiger Schmerz' (severe pain).
EXAMPLE
Sie zitterte trotz ihrer dicken Jacke in der grimmigen Kälte.
She shivered in the bitter cold despite her thick jacket.
Compare with
grimmig vs freundlich
friendly
'freundlich' and 'grimmig' can be opposites when talking about a person’s expression. 'freundlich' describes a kind, open, and pleasant impression. 'grimmig' mainly describes a dark, angry, or hard face. So you are more likely to say that someone smiles in a friendly way or speaks in a friendly way. 'grimmig' is used especially for a look or facial expression when someone seems angry or very stern.
grimmig
Vor dem Termin schaut Herr Schneider grimmig auf die Rechnung.
Before the appointment, Mr. Schneider looks grimly at the bill.
freundlich
Der Busfahrer hat den Fahrgästen im Urlaub freundlich geholfen.
The bus driver kindly helped the passengers during the vacation.
In real life
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