01
plump
crude
Tactless, coarse, and without sensitivity; in a very direct and awkward way.
example
Sein plumper Anmachspruch kam bei ihr gar nicht gut an.
His crude pickup line did not go over well with her at all.
plump
crude / clumsy / bulky
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
The German word 'plump' is negative and means awkward, tactless, or bulky. It should not be confused with the English 'plump', which means 'mollig' or 'rundlich' (chubby or rounded) and is often meant neutrally or even positively.
EXAMPLE
Seine plumpe Entschuldigung hat alles nur noch schlimmer gemacht.
His crude apology only made everything worse.
Typical collocations (behavior)
In the meaning 'taktlos' (tactless), 'plump' often describes communication or social behavior. Typical combinations are: a 'plumpe Lüge' (crude lie), a 'plumper Versuch' (crude attempt), a 'plumpe Ausrede' (crude excuse), or a 'plumpe Frage' (tactless question).
EXAMPLE
Das war ein ziemlich plumper Versuch, das Thema zu wechseln.
That was a pretty crude attempt to change the subject.
Typical collocations (movement)
When referring to movements, 'plump' describes a heavy, inelegant manner. People often speak of 'plumpen Bewegungen' (clumsy movements) or say that someone or an animal 'sich plump bewegt' (moves clumsily).
EXAMPLE
Der Pinguin wirkt an Land plump, ist im Wasser aber sehr elegant.
The penguin looks clumsy on land, but is very elegant in the water.
Typical collocations (appearance)
When referring to objects, 'plump' means that something is bulky, thick, or shapeless. Examples are 'plumpe Schuhe' (bulky shoes), a 'plumpes Möbelstück' (bulky piece of furniture), or 'plumpe Schrift' (clumsy-looking handwriting/typeface).
EXAMPLE
Für die feine Gravur ist dieses Werkzeug viel zu plump.
This tool is far too bulky for the fine engraving.
Compare with
plump vs direkt
direct
'direkt' and 'plump' can both describe someone speaking or acting without subtle detours. The difference is in the tone. 'direkt' can be neutral or even positive when someone is honest and clear. 'plump' is negative: it means that something comes across as crude, tactless, or awkward. Learners may confuse the words because a crude remark is often very direct. But not every direct remark is 'plump'. 'Direkt' emphasizes clarity, while 'plump' emphasizes a lack of sensitivity.
plump
Im Büro hat mein Vater eine plumpe Bemerkung gemacht und alle waren kurz still.
At the office, my father made a crude remark, and everyone was briefly silent.
direkt
Jana sagt ihrem Freund direkt, dass sie heute keine Zeit hat.
Jana tells her friend directly that she has no time today.
In real life
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