scherzhaft
joking
Meant as a joke, not to be taken seriously; in a funny, teasing way.
EXAMPLE
Er meinte die Bemerkung über deine neue Frisur nur scherzhaft.
He only meant the remark about your new hairstyle jokingly.
scherzhaft
joking
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the noun 'der Scherz' (the joke) and the suffix '-haft'. The suffix '-haft' turns a noun into an adjective and means something like 'in the manner of' or 'like a'. So 'scherzhaft' (joking) literally means 'like a joke'.
EXAMPLE
Seine Frage war nicht böse, sondern scherzhaft gemeint.
His question was not meant unkindly, but jokingly.
Use as an adverb
'Scherzhaft' is very often used as an adverb to describe a verb. It then usually stands directly with the verb and explains in what way an action happens.
EXAMPLE
Er nannte seinen Freund scherzhaft „Professor“.
He jokingly called his friend 'Professor'.
Typical collocations
This adjective is often combined with verbs of saying and thinking. Typical phrases are 'etwas scherzhaft meinen' (to mean something jokingly), 'etwas scherzhaft sagen' (to say something jokingly), or 'etwas scherzhaft fragen' (to ask something jokingly).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe nur scherzhaft gefragt, ob du schon wieder Urlaub brauchst.
I only jokingly asked whether you already need another vacation.
Compare with
scherzhaft vs ironisch
ironic
Ironisch describes a statement that is not meant literally and often means the opposite of what is said. Scherzhaft simply means that something is intended as a joke or teasing and is not to be taken seriously; a reversal of meaning is not necessary. Choose ironisch when there is a clear contrast and scherzhaft for a simple joke.
scherzhaft
Als Nina im strömenden Regen ankam, nannte ihr Freund sie scherzhaft eine mutige Schwimmerin.
When Nina arrived in pouring rain, her friend jokingly called her a brave swimmer.
ironisch
Als Nina im strömenden Regen ankam, sagte ihr Freund ironisch: „Was für ein herrliches Wetter heute.“
When Nina arrived in pouring rain, her friend said ironically, “What wonderful weather we’re having today.”
In real life
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