schlaff
slack / limp
Without tension or firmness; loose or hanging limply.
EXAMPLE
Die Fahne hing schlaff am Mast, weil kein Wind wehte.
The flag hung limp from the mast because there was no wind.
schlaff
slack / limp
schlaff – schlaffer – am schlaffesten
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Meanings
schlaff
listless
Physically tired and lacking strength; without one's usual energy.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Grippe fühlte sie sich noch tagelang schlaff.
After the flu, she still felt listless for days.
schlaff
lax
Without determination or drive; showing too little effort or firmness.
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition kritisierte die schlaffe Haltung der Regierung gegenüber den Rechtsverletzungen.
The opposition criticized the government's lax stance toward the violations of rights.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry schlaff, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | schlaff |
|---|---|
| comparative | schlaffer |
| superlative | am schlaffesten |
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 schlaff.
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 schlaff.
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 schlaff.
Usage tips
Context clue
With „schlaff“ (slack / limp), concrete things such as flags, ropes, or muscles usually indicate the physical meaning. When people, attitudes, or measures are the focus, it often refers to a lack of energy or determination.
EXAMPLE
Das Seil hing schlaff über dem Balken.
The rope hung slack over the beam.
Die schlaffe Reaktion der Behörde sorgte für Kritik.
The authority's lax response drew criticism.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of lacking tension, „schlaff“ (slack / limp) is often used for things that are normally taut or stretched. Common combinations include „schlaffe Fahne“ (slack flag), „schlaffes Seil“ (slack rope), and „schlaffe Muskeln“ (slack muscles).
EXAMPLE
Die schlaffe Fahne bewegte sich kaum im Wind.
The slack flag barely moved in the wind.
Physical condition
For the physical meaning, „schlaff“ (listless) is often used with verbs such as „sich fühlen“ (to feel) or „wirken“ (to seem / appear). Illness, lack of sleep, or great exertion are often given as causes.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung wirkte er müde und schlaff.
After the long hike, he seemed tired and listless.
Political context
In its figurative meaning, „schlaff“ (lax) often describes an attitude, leadership, response, or system of control that lacks firmness and consistency.
EXAMPLE
Viele Wähler waren von der schlaffen Führung der Partei enttäuscht.
Many voters were disappointed by the party's lax leadership.
In real life
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