niedrig
low
Small in height or located in a low position.
EXAMPLE
Die Decke in diesem alten Haus ist sehr niedrig.
The ceiling in this old house is very low.
niedrig
low
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Meanings
niedrig
low
Low with regard to a value, amount, degree, or level, e.g. with prices, temperatures, or numbers.
EXAMPLE
Die Arbeitslosenquote ist auf einem historisch niedrigen Stand.
The unemployment rate is at a historically low level.
niedrig
base / vile
Morally bad or contemptible; acting from dishonorable motives.
EXAMPLE
Er hat aus niedrigen Beweggründen gehandelt und wollte seinem Kollegen nur schaden.
He acted from base motives and only wanted to harm his colleague.
niedrig
low-ranking
Of low social rank or status. This meaning is rather outdated today.
EXAMPLE
In der mittelalterlichen Gesellschaft galten Bauern als von niedrigem Stand.
In medieval society, peasants were considered to be of low rank.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'niedrig' (low) is closely related to the word 'nieder' (down/low), which means 'below' or 'downward.' This connection helps you understand the basic meaning of 'niedrig' as something located on a low level.
EXAMPLE
Der Helikopter flog sehr niedrig über die Bäume.
The helicopter flew very low over the trees.
Typical collocations
In its most common meaning, 'niedrig' (low) is used for abstract values. Typical combinations are 'niedrige Preise' (low prices), 'niedrige Temperaturen' (low temperatures), 'ein niedriges Gehalt' (a low salary), or 'niedriger Blutdruck' (low blood pressure).
EXAMPLE
Im Winter sind die Temperaturen hier oft sehr niedrig.
In winter, the temperatures here are often very low.
Spatial description
When referring to spatial height, 'niedrig' (low) describes objects that are close to the ground or have a small vertical extent. Common combinations are 'eine niedrige Mauer' (a low wall), 'ein niedriges Gebäude' (a low building), or 'ein niedriger Tisch' (a low table).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder können über die niedrige Mauer klettern.
The children can climb over the low wall.
Context clue
You can recognize the moral meaning of 'niedrig' (base/vile) from the context. It is almost always combined with words that describe motives or character, such as 'niedrige Beweggründe' (base motives) or 'niedrige Instinkte' (base instincts).
EXAMPLE
Das Gericht sah es als erwiesen an, dass der Täter aus niedrigen Beweggründen handelte.
The court considered it proven that the perpetrator acted from base motives.
Outdated meaning
The meaning 'of low social rank' is outdated today. You mainly find it in historical texts or when talking about earlier social orders, for example in the phrase 'von niedrigem Stand' (of low rank).
EXAMPLE
In historischen Romanen wird oft die Heirat zwischen Personen von hohem und niedrigem Stand thematisiert.
Historical novels often deal with marriage between people of high and low rank.
Compare with
niedrig vs klein
small
Klein describes the small size or number of something. Niedrig, on the other hand, refers to a low value or level on a scale, for example with prices or numbers of participants. For a group, klein is appropriate; for the measured number of its members, niedrig is usually more suitable.
niedrig
Mit nur acht Anmeldungen ist die Teilnehmerzahl niedrig.
With only eight registrations, the number of participants is low.
klein
Mit nur acht Teilnehmern ist die Gruppe klein.
With only eight participants, the group is small.
In real life
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