01
lahm
lame
Restricted in movement, especially when walking; limping.
example
Seit dem Sturz ist das Pferd am rechten Vorderbein lahm.
Since the fall, the horse has been lame in its right front leg.
lahm
lame / slow
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'lahm' (lame) is the basis for the verb 'lähmen' (to paralyze; to make unable to move) and the noun 'die Lähmung' (paralysis; state of being unable to move).
EXAMPLE
Ein schwerer Unfall kann die Beine lähmen.
A serious accident can paralyze the legs.
Derived verb
The separable verb 'lahmlegen' is formed from 'lahm' (lame). It means to bring something to a standstill and is often used for traffic, computers, or the economy.
EXAMPLE
Ein Stromausfall hat die gesamte Produktion lahmgelegt.
A power outage brought the entire production to a standstill.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If 'lahm' (lame) refers to a living being, it is meant literally (limping). If it refers to an event or a joke, it means 'boring'. With technology, it means 'slow'.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Hund ist schon etwas lahm.
The old dog is already a bit lame.
Colloquial use
In the meaning of 'langweilig' (boring), 'lahm' (lame) is a very common colloquial word. It is often used for parties, jokes, films, or even excuses.
EXAMPLE
Das war eine wirklich lahme Ausrede, die ihm niemand geglaubt hat.
That was a really lame excuse that nobody believed.
Compare with
lahm vs schnell
fast / quick
'schnell' and 'lahm' can form an opposite pair when it comes to speed or function. 'schnell' means that something happens at high speed or in a short time. Colloquially, 'lahm' often means that something is slow or not working properly, especially with technology or the internet. 'lahm' sounds more negative and more casual than simply 'langsam' (slow). So you are more likely to say 'Der Computer ist lahm' when you are annoyed, but 'Der Computer ist schnell' when it is working well.
lahm
Am Abend war das Internet so lahm, dass Moritz den Film nicht starten konnte.
In the evening, the internet was so slow that Moritz couldn’t start the movie.
schnell
Mit dem neuen Laptop öffnet sich das Programm sehr schnell.
With the new laptop, the program opens very quickly.
In real life
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