01
haarig
hairy
Covered with hair or made of hair.
example
Der Hund hat sehr haarige Pfoten.
The dog has very hairy paws.
haarig
hairy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation
The adjective 'haarig' (hairy) is derived directly from the noun 'das Haar' (hair). The ending '-ig' is often used in German to form an adjective from a noun that means 'like' or 'full of' that noun.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Pullover ist von innen ganz weich und haarig.
The new sweater is completely soft and hairy on the inside.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning 'schwierig' (difficult) by the fact that 'haarig' (hairy/tricky) describes an abstract noun. If it refers to a living being or an object, the literal meaning 'covered with hair' is usually meant.
EXAMPLE
Seine Brust war sehr haarig.
His chest was very hairy.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'schwierig' (difficult) or 'heikel' (delicate/tricky) is colloquial. In formal or written contexts, you would more likely use words such as 'kompliziert' (complicated), 'schwierig' (difficult), or 'heikel' (delicate/tricky).
EXAMPLE
Aus dieser haarigen Situation kommen wir nur mit Glück wieder heraus.
We'll only get out of this tricky situation again with luck.
Typical collocations
In the colloquial meaning, 'haarig' (tricky) is often combined with words such as 'Sache' (thing/matter), 'Angelegenheit' (matter), 'Situation' (situation), or 'Problem' (problem).
EXAMPLE
Die Reparatur des Motors ist eine haarige Angelegenheit.
Repairing the engine is a tricky matter.
Compare with
haarig vs einfach
simple / just
'einfach' and 'haarig' can both describe how manageable a situation is. 'einfach' means that something is easy to understand or do. 'haarig' is colloquial and means that something becomes difficult, delicate, or complicated. 'haarig' is especially suitable when a situation may become unpleasant or risky. In neutral situations, it is better to say 'schwierig' (difficult) or 'kompliziert' (complicated); 'haarig' sounds more casual and somewhat figurative.
haarig
Die Fahrt wird bei diesem Wetter ziemlich haarig.
The drive will be pretty tricky in this weather.
einfach
Nach der Arbeit kauft Frau Wagner ein einfaches Abendessen.
After work, Ms. Wagner buys a simple dinner.
In real life
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