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klebrig
sticky
Having the property of sticking when touched, like honey, glue, or spilled lemonade.
example
Nach dem Essen des Bonbons waren seine Finger ganz klebrig.
After eating the candy, his fingers were completely sticky.
klebrig
sticky / smarmy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'klebrig' (sticky / smarmy) is derived directly from the verb 'kleben' (to stick / glue). The ending '-ig' is often added to nouns or verb stems to form an adjective meaning 'having the quality of something.'
EXAMPLE
Der Leim ist noch nicht trocken und fühlt sich sehr klebrig an.
The glue is not dry yet and feels very sticky.
Context clue
The literal meaning describes a physical property, as with honey. The figurative meaning describes unpleasant social situations or pushy people. The context makes it clear what is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Tisch war nach der Party ganz klebrig von den Getränken.
After the party, the table was completely sticky from the drinks.
Typical collocations
In the literal sense, 'klebrig' (sticky) is often connected with foods or substances that contain sugar or starch. Typical examples are sticky rice, sticky honey, or sticky hands after eating.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Backen war der ganze Teig an ihren Händen klebrig.
After baking, all the dough on her hands was sticky.
Compare with
klebrig vs peinlich
embarrassing / meticulous
'peinlich' and 'klebrig' can both refer to unpleasant social situations, but they do not mean the same thing. 'peinlich' describes something that causes shame or embarrassment. In a figurative sense, 'klebrig' more often means that a person or situation is pushy or clingy and feels hard to get rid of. The words can be confused because a 'klebrig' situation can often also be embarrassing. Still, 'klebrig' is more specific and more figurative. For ordinary embarrassment, 'peinlich' is more natural; 'klebrig' fits better when someone seems too close, too clingy, or unpleasantly pushy.
klebrig
Seine klebrige Art im Gespräch machte die Pause für alle unangenehm.
His clingy manner in the conversation made the break unpleasant for everyone.
peinlich
Es war peinlich, dass ich den Namen meiner Nachbarin vergessen hatte.
It was embarrassing that I had forgotten my neighbor's name.
In real life
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