minderwertig
inferior
Being of poor or low quality. Refers to products, materials, or work.
EXAMPLE
Das Werkzeug war so minderwertig, dass es schon beim ersten Gebrauch kaputtging.
The tool was so inferior that it broke the first time it was used.
minderwertig
inferior
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Meanings
minderwertig
inferior
Describing the feeling of being worth less than others or not being good enough. Refers to a person's self-esteem.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der ständigen Kritik fühlte er sich minderwertig und unsicher.
Because of the constant criticism, he felt inferior and insecure.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'minder' (an older form for 'less') and 'wertig' (from 'Wert', meaning value). So it literally means 'less valuable'.
EXAMPLE
Er kaufte ein technisch minderwertiges Gerät, das schnell kaputtging.
He bought a technically inferior device that quickly broke.
Context clue
The context reveals the meaning: If the word refers to a thing (product, material), it means 'of poor quality'. If it refers to a person and their feelings, it means 'feeling less valuable'.
EXAMPLE
Diese minderwertige Farbe deckt die Wand nicht richtig.
This inferior paint doesn't cover the wall properly.
Typical collocations
When referring to poor quality, 'minderwertig' (inferior) is often combined with nouns like 'Qualität' (quality), 'Ware' (goods), 'Material' (material), or 'Produkt' (product).
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht vor minderwertiger Ware auf diesem Markt.
Beware of inferior goods at this market.
Describing feelings
To express the feeling of inferiority, the fixed phrase 'sich minderwertig fühlen' (to feel inferior) is almost always used.
EXAMPLE
Er fühlte sich seinen Kollegen gegenüber oft minderwertig.
He often felt inferior to his colleagues.
Compare with
minderwertig vs minder
lesser
Minder and minderwertig can both indicate lower quality or lower value. Minder is generally used comparatively and shows that something is worse or less valuable than something else; minderwertig refers more to the poor quality itself. Minder is appropriate for a direct comparison, while minderwertig is used for a general evaluation.
minderwertig
Der Händler nahm das minderwertige Material aus dem Angebot.
The dealer removed the inferior material from the selection.
minder
Die neue Lieferung ist von minderer Qualität als die vorige.
The new shipment is of lower quality than the previous one.
In real life
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