01
klamm
clammy
Feeling unpleasantly cold and slightly damp.
example
Die Wäsche im Keller war nach einer Woche immer noch klamm.
The laundry in the basement was still clammy after a week.
klamm
clammy / broke
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'klamm' (clammy / broke) from the context. If it refers to objects, the weather, or body parts, it means 'cold and damp'. If it refers to a person or an institution, it colloquially means 'to have little money'.
EXAMPLE
Meine Hände sind nach dem Spaziergang im Nebel ganz klamm.
My hands are completely clammy after the walk in the fog.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'cold and damp', 'klamm' (clammy) is often used to describe unpleasant dampness. Typical collocations are 'klamme Hände' (clammy hands), 'klamme Kleidung' (clammy clothing), or 'klamme Mauern' (damp walls).
EXAMPLE
Die Wände im alten Keller fühlen sich klamm an.
The walls in the old basement feel clammy.
Register
The meaning 'to have little money' is purely colloquial. In formal situations or in written language, you would avoid this expression.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir 20 Euro leihen? Ich bin gerade total klamm.
Can you lend me 20 euros? I'm totally broke right now.
Use in a sentence
When 'klamm' (broke) means a shortage of money, it is used almost exclusively predicatively, that is, with a verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become). Using it directly before a noun is very rare in this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadtkasse ist klamm, deshalb werden keine neuen Projekte finanziert.
The city treasury is broke, so no new projects are being funded.
Compare with
klamm vs arm
poor
'arm' and 'klamm' can both mean that someone has little money. 'arm' is the general and neutral word for a person or group with little property or income. 'klamm' is colloquial and usually refers to a temporary shortage of money, for example at the end of the month. They can be confused because both have to do with a lack of money. But 'arm' often describes a more serious or long-term life situation, while 'klamm' sounds more casual. In addition, 'klamm' can also mean cold and slightly damp, for example with hands or clothing.
klamm
Nach der Reise bin ich ziemlich klamm und gehe erst nächste Woche wieder essen.
After the trip, I'm pretty short on money, so I won't go out to eat again until next week.
arm
Viele Familien in der Region sind arm und brauchen Unterstützung.
Many families in the region are poor and need support.
In real life
Loading video examples...