01
leicht
light
Of low weight; not heavy.
example
Diese Jacke ist sehr leicht und trotzdem warm.
This jacket is very light and still warm.
leicht
light / easy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The two main meanings of 'leicht' are 'not heavy' and 'not difficult'. The context makes clear what is meant: if you are talking about physical objects, it is about weight. If you are talking about tasks or problems, it is about difficulty.
EXAMPLE
Die Feder ist sehr leicht. (Gewicht)
The feather is very light. (weight)
Word family
Other useful words are derived from 'leicht' (light/easy). The verb 'erleichtern' means to make something easier or lighter. The noun 'die Leichtigkeit' describes the state of being light or easy.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Plan erleichtert die Arbeit erheblich.
A good plan makes the work considerably easier.
Sentence structure with infinitive
In the meaning of 'einfach' (easy), 'leicht' is very often used in the construction with 'zu' + infinitive. This structure describes that an action is easy to carry out.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch ist leicht zu lesen.
The book is easy to read.
Typical collocations
To describe low intensity, 'leicht' (slight/mild) is often combined with certain nouns. Typical examples are 'ein leichter Regen' (a light rain), 'ein leichter Wind' (a light wind), 'leichte Schmerzen' (mild pain), or 'ein leichter Schlaf' (light sleep).
EXAMPLE
Er wachte auf, weil er nur einen leichten Schlaf hat.
He woke up because he is only a light sleeper.
In the context of food
When 'leicht' (light) is used in connection with food and drink, it means 'easy to digest' and 'low in calories'. A typical combination is 'leichte Kost' (light food).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Krankheit empfahl der Arzt nur leichte Kost.
After the illness, the doctor recommended only light food.
Compare with
leicht vs etwas
something / somewhat
'etwas' and 'leicht' can both express that a quality is present only weakly. In sentences like 'etwas krank' (somewhat ill) and 'leicht krank' (slightly ill), the meaning is similar. Here, 'etwas' is an adverb and means 'a little'. 'leicht' is an adjective or adverb and describes a low degree of intensity, for example with pain, rain, or tiredness. They are confused because both can soften a statement. 'etwas' is more general; 'leicht' fits especially well when talking about low intensity.
leicht
Nach dem Training hat Moritz leichte Schmerzen im Knie.
After training, Moritz has slight pain in his knee.
etwas
Die Chefin wirkt heute etwas nervös, weil gleich die Präsentation beginnt.
The boss seems somewhat nervous today because the presentation is about to start.
In real life
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