inferior
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inferior
Being of poor or low quality. Refers to products, materials, or work.
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.
The word is made up of 'minder' (an older form for 'less') and 'wertig' (from 'Wert', meaning value). So it literally means 'less valuable'.
Er kaufte ein technisch minderwertiges Gerät, das schnell kaputtging.
He bought a technically inferior device that quickly broke.
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'.
Diese minderwertige Farbe deckt die Wand nicht richtig.
This inferior paint doesn't cover the wall properly.
When referring to poor quality, 'minderwertig' (inferior) is often combined with nouns like 'Qualität' (quality), 'Ware' (goods), 'Material' (material), or 'Produkt' (product).
Vorsicht vor minderwertiger Ware auf diesem Markt.
Beware of inferior goods at this market.
To express the feeling of inferiority, the fixed phrase 'sich minderwertig fühlen' (to feel inferior) is almost always used.
Er fühlte sich seinen Kollegen gegenüber oft minderwertig.
He often felt inferior to his colleagues.
bad
'schlecht' and 'minderwertig' can both say that something is not of good quality. 'schlecht' is more general and fits almost anything, for example food, work, weather, or a plan. 'minderwertig' is used mainly for products, materials, or work when they are clearly below normal value or standard. It sounds more precise and often somewhat stronger. For a simple everyday situation, 'schlecht' is usually enough; for goods or material, 'minderwertig' often fits better.
Der Handwerker benutzt kein minderwertiges Material, weil die Reparatur lange halten soll.
The craftsman does not use inferior material because the repair is supposed to last a long time.
Der Kaffee schmeckt heute schlecht, weil die Milch alt ist.
The coffee tastes bad today because the milk is old.