schlapp
weak
To feel physically weak, tired, and without energy, often as a result of illness, exertion, or heat.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Grippe fühlte ich mich noch eine ganze Woche lang schlapp.
After the flu, I still felt weak for a whole week.
schlapp
weak / limp
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Meanings
schlapp
limp
Not taut or firm, but hanging down limply and without strength.
EXAMPLE
Die Blumen ließen bei der Hitze ihre Köpfe schlapp hängen.
In the heat, the flowers let their heads hang limply.
schlapp
weak
Colloquial for a weak, insufficient, or unconvincing performance or excuse.
EXAMPLE
Das war eine ziemlich schlappe Vorstellung der Heimmannschaft.
That was a pretty weak performance by the home team.
Usage tips
Sentence structure and usage
'Schlapp' (weak/limp) is very often used as a predicate adjective with verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'sich fühlen' (to feel). The construction 'Ich fühle mich schlapp' (I feel weak) is especially typical.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Arbeitstag war ich einfach nur schlapp.
After the long workday, I was simply exhausted and weak.
Register: colloquial
The word 'schlapp' (weak/limp) belongs more to colloquial language. It sounds natural in conversation, but in formal or written contexts, other words such as 'schwach' (weak) or 'kraftlos' (powerless) would often be used.
EXAMPLE
Mir ist heute so schlapp, ich glaube, ich werde krank.
I feel so weak today; I think I'm getting sick.
Context clue
The meaning of 'schlapp' (weak/limp) depends on the subject. If it refers to a person, it means 'müde/schwach' (tired/weak). If it refers to an object (e.g. a plant), it means 'schlaff/hängend' (limp/hanging). If it refers to something abstract (e.g. a performance), it means 'unzureichend' (insufficient).
EXAMPLE
Der Salat ist in der Sonne ganz schlapp geworden.
The lettuce became completely limp in the sun.
Typical causes
When a person feels 'schlapp' (weak), the typical causes in the sentence are often illness, intense heat, or physical exertion.
EXAMPLE
Bei dieser Hitze fühlt man sich den ganzen Tag nur schlapp.
In this heat, you just feel weak all day.
Compare with
schlapp vs schwach
weak
For a lack of physical energy, both schwach and schlapp are possible. Schlapp usually emphasizes a temporary feeling of tiredness and exhaustion, while schwach can also describe generally reduced physical strength. Use schlapp after exertion or illness and schwach for a general condition.
schlapp
Nach dem langen Spaziergang war der Hund schlapp und legte sich sofort hin.
After the long walk, the dog was exhausted and lay down immediately.
schwach
Der alte Hund ist schwach und kann nicht mehr weit laufen.
The old dog is weak and can no longer walk very far.
In real life
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