flat / stale
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flat
Refers to drinks that have lost their carbonation and therefore taste bland and no longer refreshing.
Lass die Flasche nicht so lange offen stehen, sonst wird die Limonade schal.
Don't leave the bottle open for so long, or the lemonade will go flat.
The adjective 'schal' (flat) is used almost exclusively for carbonated drinks that have lost their freshness. Typical examples are 'schales Bier' (flat beer), 'schale Limonade' (flat lemonade), or 'schaler Sekt' (flat sparkling wine).
Das Bier stand zu lange auf dem Tisch und schmeckt jetzt schal.
The beer sat on the table too long and now tastes flat.
'Schal' (flat) is very often combined with the verb 'werden' (to become) to describe the process of losing freshness.
Mach die Flasche schnell zu, sonst wird die Cola schal.
Close the bottle quickly, or the cola will go flat.
In its figurative meaning, 'schal' (hollow/stale) describes abstract things that lack the expected effect or substance. Common combinations are 'eine schale Ausrede' (a weak excuse), 'ein schaler Witz' (a stale joke), or 'ein schaler Beigeschmack' (a bad aftertaste).
Sein Lob klang schal und nicht ehrlich gemeint.
His praise sounded hollow and not sincerely meant.
boring
'langweilig' and 'schal' can both express that something no longer has any effect and is not interesting. 'langweilig' is the normal word for anything that offers no variety or excitement. 'schal' sounds more specific and is often used figuratively when something seems empty, weak, or lacking fresh substance, for example a joke, a feeling, or a speech. In everyday language, 'langweilig' is usually more natural; 'schal' fits better when you want to describe a somewhat more refined or stronger impression.
Nach dem dritten Mal wirkte der Witz nur noch schal.
After the third time, the joke just seemed stale.
Die lange Wartezeit im Amt ist für die Kinder sehr langweilig.
The long wait at the government office is very boring for the children.