superficial / shallow
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superficial
Referring to a person: not interested in deep topics or inner values, but mainly focused on outward things such as appearance, fashion, or status.
Er ist ein netter, aber ziemlich oberflächlicher Mensch, mit dem man keine ernsten Gespräche führen kann.
He is a nice but rather superficial person, and you can't have serious conversations with him.
superficial
Not thorough or detailed; considering only the outer, obvious aspects of something.
Eine oberflächliche Untersuchung des Problems reicht nicht aus, wir müssen tiefer graben.
A superficial investigation of the problem is not enough; we need to dig deeper.
superficial
Located only on the surface; not penetrating deeply into something.
Zum Glück war der Kratzer im Lack nur oberflächlich.
Fortunately, the scratch in the paint was only superficial.
The word is made up of 'Oberfläche' (surface) and the ending '-lich' (-like). So it literally means 'like the surface'. This origin explains all its meanings: a person who only pays attention to outward appearances, an analysis that does not go into depth, or a wound that is only on the skin.
Die Untersuchung blieb leider sehr an der Oberfläche.
Unfortunately, the investigation remained very much on the surface.
The noun that 'oberflächlich' (superficial) describes reveals the exact meaning. If it refers to a person or a conversation, it is about character. If it refers to an analysis or work, it is about thoroughness. If it refers to an injury or damage, it is meant literally.
Er ist ein netter, aber oberflächlicher Mensch.
He is a nice but superficial person.
'Oberflächlich' (superficial/superficially) can also be used as an adverb to modify a verb. It then means 'nicht gründlich' (not thoroughly) or 'nur an der Oberfläche' (only on the surface).
Wir haben das Thema im Kurs nur oberflächlich behandelt.
We only dealt with the topic superficially in the course.
flat / shallow
When describing statements, „flach“ and „oberflächlich“ can seem similar. „Flach“ emphasizes limited intellectual content, while „oberflächlich“ indicates that a topic is not treated thoroughly. „Flach“ suits an undemanding thought, while „oberflächlich“ is more appropriate for a lack of accuracy or depth.
Seine Antwort bleibt oberflächlich und erklärt die Gründe nicht.
His answer remains superficial and does not explain the reasons.
Seine Antwort ist flach und enthält keinen interessanten Gedanken.
His answer is shallow and contains no interesting idea.
