klapprig
rickety
Unstable, unable to support much weight, and poorly built; something can easily wobble or collapse.
EXAMPLE
Der klapprige Stuhl darf nicht mehr benutzt werden.
The rickety chair must no longer be used.
klapprig
rickety / rattly / frail
klapprig – klappriger – am klapprigsten
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Meanings
klapprig
rattly
Making rattling noises when moving, often giving the impression of being old or poorly maintained.
EXAMPLE
Der klapprige Wagen fuhr laut über das Kopfsteinpflaster.
The rattly car drove noisily over the cobblestones.
klapprig
frail
Appearing physically weak and fragile, usually because of old age or poor health.
EXAMPLE
Der klapprige Mann ging langsam mit einem Stock.
The frail man walked slowly with a cane.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry klapprig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | klapprig |
|---|---|
| comparative | klappriger |
| superlative | am klapprigsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to klapprig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to klapprig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to klapprig.
Usage tips
Judgmental expression
'Klapprig' (rickety / rattly / frail) is a distinctly judgmental adjective used mainly in informal language. It often describes something or someone as giving an impression of age, poor maintenance or care, or a lack of stability.
EXAMPLE
Der klapprige Schuppen muss dringend repariert werden.
The rickety shed urgently needs repairs.
Typical objects
In the sense of 'instabil' (unstable), 'klapprig' (rickety) is frequently used with furniture, simple structures, or old vehicles. Typical collocations are 'ein klappriger Stuhl' (a rickety chair), 'ein klappriger Tisch' (a rickety table), and 'ein klappriges Fahrrad' (a rickety bicycle).
EXAMPLE
Auf dem klapprigen Tisch sollte man keine schwere Kiste abstellen.
You shouldn't put a heavy crate on the rickety table.
Sound clues
When describing vehicles or equipment, 'klapprig' (rattly) often points to an audible noise during movement. Verbs such as 'fahren' (to drive), 'rütteln' (to shake), or 'scheppern' (to clatter) provide contextual clues to this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der klapprige Lieferwagen klapperte bei jeder Bodenwelle laut.
The rattly delivery van rattled loudly over every bump.
Describing people
When used about people, 'klapprig' (frail) usually refers to an impression of physical weakness or frailty. This description can sound disparaging and should therefore be used with consideration.
EXAMPLE
Der klapprige alte Mann hielt sich beim Gehen am Geländer fest.
The frail old man held on to the railing as he walked.
In real life
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