01
munter
alert
Awake, lively, and in a good mood; the opposite of tired.
example
Nach einer Tasse Kaffee fühlte er sich sofort viel munterer.
After a cup of coffee, he immediately felt much more alert.
munter
lively / alert
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'munter' (lively/alert) is the basis for the verb 'aufmuntern' (to cheer up). To cheer someone up means to make them happy and energetic again, in other words to make them 'munter' (lively/alert) again.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem Witz versuchte sie, ihre traurige Freundin aufzumuntern.
With a joke, she tried to cheer up her sad friend.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'wach' (awake), 'munter' (alert) is often used in fixed combinations. Typical phrases are 'munter werden' (to wake up and feel fit) and 'jemanden munter machen' (to wake someone up, e.g., with coffee).
EXAMPLE
Ein Spaziergang an der frischen Luft macht oft schnell wieder munter.
A walk in the fresh air often quickly makes you feel alert again.
Figurative use
'Munter' (cheerful/lively) can describe not only people, but also things or activities that are cheerful and lively. For example, people speak of a 'muntere Melodie' (cheerful melody) or a 'munteres Gespräch' (lively conversation).
EXAMPLE
Aus der Küche hörte man munteres Geklapper von Töpfen und Pfannen.
From the kitchen you could hear the cheerful clattering of pots and pans.
Adverbial use
As an adverb, 'munter' expresses that an action continues carefree and without interruption. It then stands directly with the verb, often in the combination 'munter weiter...' (to keep ... cheerfully).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielten munter im Regen weiter.
The children kept playing cheerfully in the rain.
Compare with
munter vs frisch
fresh
'frisch' and 'munter' can both describe someone who is not tired and has energy. 'frisch' fits especially when someone has regained strength after sleep, a break, or rest. 'munter' emphasizes more strongly that someone is awake, lively, and often in a good mood too. So a person can look 'frisch' because they are rested, and seem 'munter' because they are active and cheerful. For people, both are possible, but 'munter' sounds more lively.
munter
Obwohl die Reise lang war, blieb das Kind den ganzen Tag munter.
Although the trip was long, the child stayed lively all day.
frisch
Nach einer kurzen Pause fühlte ich mich wieder frisch.
After a short break, I felt fresh again.
In real life
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