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
klebrig
smarmy / clingy
In a figurative sense, describing a person or situation that is intrusive, embarrassing, or hard to get rid of.
EXAMPLE
Seine klebrigen Komplimente waren ihr sichtlich unangenehm.
His smarmy compliments were clearly uncomfortable for her.
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 lästig
annoying
Lästig generally describes a person or situation that is bothersome and annoying. Klebrig is more specific here, describing intrusive behavior in which someone constantly seeks closeness and is difficult to shake off. Lästig is suitable for ordinary annoyances, while klebrig is used for this figurative sense of clinging.
klebrig
Der Bekannte wurde auf der Feier klebrig und folgte mir den ganzen Abend.
The acquaintance became clingy at the party and followed me all evening.
lästig
Der Bekannte ist lästig, weil er mich ständig mit langen Anrufen stört.
The acquaintance is annoying because he constantly bothers me with long phone calls.
In real life
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