pfiffig
clever
Smart, resourceful, and able to quickly find a good solution to a problem.
EXAMPLE
Der pfiffige Schüler fand einen einfachen Weg, die schwierige Aufgabe zu lösen.
The clever student found a simple way to solve the difficult problem.
pfiffig
clever / ingenious
pfiffig – pfiffiger – am pfiffigsten
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Meanings
pfiffig
ingenious
Original and skillfully thought out, especially when referring to an idea or solution.
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine pfiffige Idee, um in der kleinen Küche mehr Platz zu schaffen.
That's an ingenious idea for creating more space in the small kitchen.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry pfiffig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | pfiffig |
|---|---|
| comparative | pfiffiger |
| superlative | am pfiffigsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to pfiffig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to pfiffig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to pfiffig.
Usage tips
Register
'Pfiffig' (clever / ingenious) usually has a positive connotation and belongs more to casual, everyday language. It is particularly suitable for personal evaluations, descriptions, and advertising copy.
EXAMPLE
Die pfiffige junge Programmiererin hatte sofort einen neuen Ansatz.
The clever young programmer immediately came up with a new approach.
Typical collocations
When referring to a clever or resourceful person, common expressions include 'pfiffiger Kopf' (clever person), 'pfiffiges Kind' (clever child), and 'pfiffiger Schüler' (clever student). The adjective primarily describes the person and their quick reaction.
EXAMPLE
Der pfiffige Junge bemerkte sofort, dass der Schlüssel unter der Fußmatte lag.
The clever boy immediately noticed that the key was under the doormat.
Typical collocations
When referring to ideas and solutions, 'pfiffig' (ingenious) is often used with words like 'Idee' (idea), 'Trick' (trick), or 'Lösung' (solution). It means that something has been thought out in a surprisingly simple and clever way.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem pfiffigen Trick konnte das Team das Problem in wenigen Minuten lösen.
The team was able to solve the problem in just a few minutes with an ingenious trick.
In real life
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