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
schlampig
careless
Describes work or an action that is carried out inaccurately, carelessly, and without the necessary diligence.
EXAMPLE
Wegen seiner schlampigen Recherche enthielt der Bericht viele Fehler.
Because of his careless research, the report contained many errors.
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 nachlässig
careless / casual
For poorly executed work, both schlampig and nachlässig can fit. Nachlässig emphasizes a lack of attention or care in carrying out the task. Schlampig usually judges the visible result more clearly and more negatively than ungenau and unsorgfältig.
schlampig
Der Bericht ist schlampig geschrieben und enthält auf jeder Seite mehrere Fehler.
The report is sloppily written and contains several errors on every page.
nachlässig
Der Bericht wurde nachlässig geprüft, sodass mehrere Fehler unbemerkt blieben.
The report was checked carelessly, so several errors went unnoticed.
In real life
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