merkwürdig
strange
Strange, odd, or peculiar; different from expected in a way that makes you think.
EXAMPLE
Es kam ein merkwürdiges Geräusch aus dem Motor, also hielt ich an.
A strange noise was coming from the engine, so I stopped.
merkwürdig
strange
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Meanings
merkwürdig
remarkable
In an outdated meaning: remarkable, memorable; worth remembering.
EXAMPLE
Es war eine merkwürdige Fügung des Schicksals, dass sich ihre Wege nach so vielen Jahren wieder kreuzten.
It was a remarkable twist of fate that their paths crossed again after so many years.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'merken' (to notice/remember) and '-würdig' (-worthy). Literally, it means 'worth remembering.' This original meaning is outdated today, but it explains how the modern meaning 'strange' developed: something is so strange that it is remarkable.
EXAMPLE
Er verhielt sich den ganzen Abend sehr merkwürdig.
He behaved very strangely the whole evening.
Adverbial use
The word is very often used as the adverb 'merkwürdigerweise' (strangely enough / oddly enough) to comment on an entire sentence. It often appears at the beginning of the sentence and means something like 'seltsamerweise' (strangely enough) or 'komischerweise' (oddly enough).
EXAMPLE
Merkwürdigerweise war die Tür offen, obwohl ich sie abgeschlossen hatte.
Strangely enough, the door was open even though I had locked it.
Typical collocations
'Merkwürdig' (strange) often describes inexplicable or unexpected things. Typical combinations are: 'ein merkwürdiges Gefühl' (a strange feeling), 'ein merkwürdiges Geräusch' (a strange noise), 'ein merkwürdiger Zufall' (a strange coincidence), or 'ein merkwürdiges Verhalten' (strange behavior).
EXAMPLE
Ich hatte das merkwürdige Gefühl, beobachtet zu werden.
I had the strange feeling that I was being watched.
Outdated meaning
The meaning 'bemerkenswert' (remarkable) is outdated today and is used almost only in historical or literary texts. In modern German, 'merkwürdig' almost always means 'seltsam' (strange) or 'sonderbar' (odd/peculiar).
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Buch fand er einige merkwürdige Anmerkungen des Autors.
In the old book, he found some remarkable notes by the author.
Compare with
merkwürdig vs interessant
interesting
A strange design can be described as interesting or odd. “Merkwürdig” directly identifies the deviation, while “interessant” can also soften it ironically or politely. Use “merkwürdig” when the oddness is clearly the main point, and “interessant” when the evaluation is deliberately left more open.
merkwürdig
Die merkwürdige Gestaltung des Raums wirkt seltsam, weil die Möbel mitten im Eingang stehen.
The odd design of the room seems strange because the furniture is standing right in the entrance.
interessant
Die interessante Gestaltung des Raums ist ungewöhnlich, aber vielleicht passt sie trotzdem zum Café.
The interesting design of the room is unusual, but perhaps it still suits the café.
In real life
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