rostig
rusty
Affected by rust or covered in rust.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Fahrrad hat eine rostige Kette.
The old bicycle has a rusty chain.
rostig
rusty
rostig – rostiger – am rostigsten
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Meanings
rostig
stiff
Figuratively: stiff and inflexible, especially referring to bones or joints, often due to age or prolonged inactivity.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Winter fühlen sich meine Knochen ganz rostig an.
After the long winter, my bones feel really stiff.
rostig
raspy
Having a rough and hoarse sound, especially referring to a voice.
EXAMPLE
Mit rostiger Stimme sang der alte Mann ein Lied.
The old man sang a song in a raspy voice.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry rostig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | rostig |
|---|---|
| comparative | rostiger |
| superlative | am rostigsten |
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 rostig.
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 rostig.
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 rostig.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Rostig' is made up of the noun 'Rost' (rust) and the ending '-ig'. The ending forms an adjective that expresses a quality or a connection with rust.
EXAMPLE
Der rostige Schlüssel ließ sich kaum drehen.
The rusty key could barely be turned.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'rostig' is often used with metal objects, especially parts that have been exposed to moisture. Typical collocations include 'rostige Schrauben' (rusty screws), 'rostiges Werkzeug' (rusty tools), and 'rostiges Metall' (rusty metal).
EXAMPLE
Die Mechanikerin musste mehrere rostige Schrauben ersetzen.
The mechanic had to replace several rusty screws.
Context clue
When 'rostig' refers to bones, joints, or limbs, it has a figurative meaning: it refers to stiffness, not rust. For skills or language abilities that you have not practiced for a long time, however, German usually uses 'eingerostet' (rusty).
EXAMPLE
Mit seinen rostigen Gliedern stieg der alte Mann mühsam die Treppe hinauf.
With his stiff limbs, the old man laboriously climbed the stairs.
Typical collocations
For the meaning of a rough or hoarse voice, expressions such as 'mit rostiger Stimme sprechen' (to speak in a raspy voice) and 'rostig klingen' (to sound raspy) are especially common. The adjective describes the sound of the voice.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Konzert klang ihre Stimme rau und rostig.
After the concert, her voice sounded rough and raspy.
In real life
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