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schlampig
sloppy
Describes a person, place, or thing that is untidy, unkempt, or dirty.
example
Sein Schreibtisch ist immer total schlampig.
His desk is always completely sloppy.
schlampig
sloppy / careless
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adverbial use
'Schlampig' (sloppy/careless) can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then answers the question 'How?'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat das Formular sehr schlampig ausgefüllt.
He filled out the form very carelessly.
Register
The word 'schlampig' (sloppy/careless) is often used in colloquial speech and can sound slightly derogatory, especially when it describes a person.
EXAMPLE
Nenn mich nicht schlampig, nur weil mein Zimmer unordentlich ist!
Don't call me sloppy just because my room is messy!
Context clue: person or place
When 'schlampig' (sloppy) describes a person, their appearance, or a place, it means 'unordentlich' (untidy) or 'ungepflegt' (unkempt).
EXAMPLE
Seine schlampige Kleidung machte keinen guten Eindruck.
His sloppy clothing did not make a good impression.
Context clue: work or action
When 'schlampig' (careless) describes work, a task, or an action, it means 'nachlässig' (careless) or 'ungenau' (inaccurate).
EXAMPLE
Eine schlampige Planung führte zu großen Problemen im Projekt.
Careless planning led to major problems in the project.
Compare with
schlampig vs genau
exact / precise
'genau' and 'schlampig' are opposites when it comes to work or an action. 'genau' means that someone works carefully and watches out for mistakes. 'schlampig' means that someone works carelessly and overlooks important details. 'genau' sounds neutral or positive, while 'schlampig' is clearly negative. When a task is important, for example a form, an invoice, or a repair, 'genau' is desirable and 'schlampig' is problematic.
schlampig
Der Bericht war schlampig geschrieben und enthielt mehrere falsche Daten.
The report was written carelessly and contained several incorrect dates.
genau
Vor der Reise prüfen wir die Buchungsnummern noch einmal genau.
Before the trip, we check the booking numbers carefully one more time.
In real life
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