heiter
cheerful
Describes a person who is cheerful, in a good mood, and carefree.
EXAMPLE
Trotz des schlechten Wetters war ihre Stimmung heiter und ausgelassen.
Despite the bad weather, her mood was cheerful and exuberant.
heiter
cheerful / clear
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Meanings
heiter
clear
Describes the weather when it is sunny, clear, and without many clouds.
EXAMPLE
Der Wetterbericht sagt für morgen heiter bis wolkig voraus.
The weather forecast predicts clear to cloudy skies for tomorrow.
heiter
serene
Describes an atmosphere or situation that is calm, carefree, and peaceful.
EXAMPLE
Die heitere Gelassenheit des alten Mannes war bewundernswert.
The old man's serene calmness was admirable.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'heiter' (cheerful/clear/serene) depends strongly on the noun it describes. If you are talking about a person, it means 'fröhlich' (cheerful). In connection with the weather, it means 'sonnig und klar' (sunny and clear). If it describes a situation, it means 'gelassen und unbeschwert' (calm and carefree).
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater ist ein sehr heiterer Mensch.
My grandfather is a very cheerful person.
Typical collocations
When a person is being described, 'heiter' (cheerful) is often combined with nouns that describe character or mood. Typical phrases are 'ein heiteres Gemüt haben' (to have a cheerful disposition) or 'von heiterer Natur sein' (to be cheerful by nature).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist für ihr heiteres Gemüt bekannt und lacht sehr viel.
She is known for her cheerful disposition and laughs a lot.
Register and style
When 'heiter' (cheerful) describes a person, it often sounds somewhat elevated or literary. It describes a quiet, inner cheerfulness and serenity.
EXAMPLE
Der heitere Ausdruck auf seinem Gesicht beruhigte alle Anwesenden.
The cheerful expression on his face reassured everyone present.
Fixed expression
In weather forecasts, the phrase 'heiter bis wolkig' (clear to cloudy) is a very common fixed expression. It describes a day when sun and clouds alternate.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorhersage für das Wochenende ist heiter bis wolkig bei 20 Grad.
The forecast for the weekend is clear to cloudy at 20 degrees.
Compare with
heiter vs lustig
funny
„Lustig“ and „heiter“ can both describe a pleasant situation. However, „lustig“ emphasizes that something is entertaining or makes people laugh; „heiter“ describes a relaxed, carefree, and peaceful atmosphere. The key question is therefore whether the meaning is comedy or a calm mood.
heiter
Der Abend war heiter und verlief in einer ruhigen, gelösten Stimmung.
The evening was cheerful and passed in a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
lustig
Der Abend war lustig, weil Paul viele witzige Geschichten erzählte.
The evening was funny because Paul told lots of amusing stories.
In real life
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