lau
mild
A temperature that is pleasantly warm but not hot; lukewarm.
EXAMPLE
An einem lauen Sommerabend saßen wir noch lange draußen.
On a mild summer evening, we sat outside for a long time.
lau
mild / lukewarm
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Meanings
lau
lukewarm
Figuratively, for something that happens without much interest, enthusiasm, or commitment; half-hearted.
EXAMPLE
Nach der enttäuschenden Vorstellung gab es nur lauen Applaus.
After the disappointing performance, there was only lukewarm applause.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the noun. If 'lau' refers to the temperature of air or water, it is meant literally. If it refers to a human reaction such as applause or interest, it is figurative.
EXAMPLE
Ein laues Lüftchen wehte vom Meer her.
A mild breeze blew in from the sea.
Typical combinations
In the literal meaning, 'lau' (mild/lukewarm) is often used positively and poetically for pleasant temperatures. Especially common are the combinations 'ein lauer Sommerabend' (a mild summer evening) or 'ein laues Lüftchen' (a mild breeze).
EXAMPLE
Wir genossen die laue Nacht auf dem Balkon.
We enjoyed the mild night on the balcony.
Typical combinations
In the figurative meaning, 'lau' (lukewarm) describes a lack of enthusiasm and has a negative connotation. Typical combinations are 'lauer Applaus' (lukewarm applause), 'eine laue Reaktion' (a lukewarm reaction), or 'laues Interesse' (lukewarm interest).
EXAMPLE
Die Reaktion des Publikums auf den Film war eher lau.
The audience's reaction to the film was rather lukewarm.
Compare with
lau vs matt
weak / matte
Matt and lau can initially seem similar when describing a weak effect. Matt mainly describes physical lack of strength, while lau refers to little interest or half-hearted commitment. When referring to someone’s own condition, matt is appropriate; when referring to a lack of enthusiasm for something, lau is appropriate.
lau
Bei der langen Besprechung zeigte Anna nur laues Interesse und beteiligte sich kaum.
During the long meeting, Anna showed only lukewarm interest and barely participated.
matt
Nach der langen Besprechung fühlte sich Anna körperlich matt und ohne Energie.
After the long meeting, Anna felt physically weak and had no energy.
In real life
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