mäßig
mediocre
Of mediocre to below-average quality; not especially good.
EXAMPLE
Der Film erhielt nur mäßige Kritiken.
The film received only mediocre reviews.
mäßig
mediocre / moderate
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Meanings
mäßig
moderate
To a moderate, not excessive or extreme degree. Refers to amount, intensity, or behavior.
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßige, aber mäßige Bewegung ist gut für die Gesundheit.
Regular but moderate exercise is good for your health.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'mäßig' (mediocre/moderate) is closely related to 'das Maß' (measure). It describes something that either does not reach a certain standard (mediocre) or stays within a reasonable measure (moderate).
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt empfahl ihm mäßigen Sport.
The doctor recommended moderate exercise to him.
Use as an adverb
'Mäßig' is very often used as an adverb to modify a verb or another adjective. In that case, it means 'not very' or 'only to a small degree'.
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert war nur mäßig besucht.
The concert was only moderately attended.
Context clue
If 'mäßig' (mediocre/moderate) refers to performance, quality, or a feeling (e.g., film, success, interest), it means 'mediocre'. If it refers to an amount or intensity (e.g., consumption, exercise, temperature), it means 'moderate'.
EXAMPLE
Seine schulischen Leistungen waren leider nur mäßig.
His school performance was unfortunately only mediocre.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'moderate', 'mäßig' is often used in advice about a healthy lifestyle. Typical combinations are 'mäßiger Alkoholkonsum' (moderate alcohol consumption), 'mäßige Bewegung' (moderate exercise), or 'mäßiger Genuss' (moderate enjoyment/consumption).
EXAMPLE
Ein mäßiger Weinkonsum kann Teil einer gesunden Ernährung sein.
Moderate wine consumption can be part of a healthy diet.
Compare with
mäßig vs moderat
moderate
Both words describe a limited, non-extreme degree of intensity or size. “Moderat” usually sounds factual and neutral, while “mäßig” can also suggest restraint or a less positive evaluation, depending on the context. “Moderat” is often suitable for a neutral description; “mäßig” can also be used in an evaluative statement.
mäßig
Die mäßige Preiserhöhung enttäuschte viele Kunden.
The moderate price increase disappointed many customers.
moderat
Die moderate Preiserhöhung wurde von den Kunden akzeptiert.
The moderate price increase was accepted by the customers.
In real life
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