01
kühl
cool
A temperature that is felt as pleasant or slightly cold, but not freezing.
example
An einem kühlen Sommerabend saßen wir noch lange draußen.
On a cool summer evening, we sat outside for a long time.
kühl
cool
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'kühl' (cool) depends strongly on the context. If it refers to weather or drinks, it is about temperature. If it describes a person or a reaction, the distant, emotional meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Die kühle Brise am Meer war sehr erfrischend.
The cool breeze by the sea was very refreshing.
Fixed expression
The expression 'einen kühlen Kopf bewahren' (to keep a cool head) is a fixed unit. It means to stay calm and rational in a stressful situation.
EXAMPLE
Als der Computer abstürzte, hat sie einen kühlen Kopf bewahrt und das Problem gelöst.
When the computer crashed, she kept a cool head and solved the problem.
Typical collocations
In connection with temperature, 'kühl' (cool) is often used for weather, air, or drinks. Typical combinations are 'kühles Wetter' (cool weather), 'ein kühler Wind' (a cool wind), or 'ein kühles Getränk' (a cool drink).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sport trinke ich gerne ein kühles Wasser.
After exercising, I like to drink a cool water.
Figurative meaning
When 'kühl' (cool) describes a person or their behavior, typical combinations are 'ein kühler Empfang' (a cool reception), 'ein kühles Lächeln' (a cool smile), or 'kühle Distanz wahren' (to maintain cool distance).
EXAMPLE
Ihre Reaktion war eher kühl und abweisend.
Her reaction was rather cool and dismissive.
Context: colors
You can recognize the meaning connected with colors from words like 'Farbe' (color), 'Farbton' (shade), or 'Einrichtung' (interior design/furnishings). It then refers to colors like blue or green.
EXAMPLE
Das Wohnzimmer ist in kühlen Blautönen gestrichen.
The living room is painted in cool shades of blue.
Compare with
kühl vs cool
cool
'cool' and 'kühl' can both have to do with calmness or with low temperature. For temperature, 'kühl' is the normal German word: 'ein kühler Abend' (a cool evening) or 'ein kühles Getränk' (a cool drink). 'cool' sounds more modern or closer to English here and is less common. For people, 'cool' colloquially means that someone stays calm and composed. 'einen kühlen Kopf bewahren' (to keep a cool head) means something similar, but sounds less youthful and more like a fixed expression. The words can be confused because both sometimes mean 'calm'. For weather, air, and drinks, 'kühl' is usually the right fit; for a relaxed, composed impression, 'cool' often fits well.
kühl
Am Abend wird es im Garten ziemlich kühl.
In the evening, it gets quite cool in the garden.
cool
Trotz der schlechten Nachricht bleibt sie ganz cool.
Despite the bad news, she stays completely cool.
In real life
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