schmutzig
dirty
Covered with dirt, grime, or another unclean substance; not clean.
EXAMPLE
Deine Hände sind nach der Gartenarbeit ganz schmutzig.
Your hands are completely dirty after the gardening.
schmutzig
dirty
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Meanings
schmutzig
dirty
Morally offensive, indecent, or unfair. It can refer to vulgar jokes, dishonorable business dealings, or unfair tactics.
EXAMPLE
Er erzählte einen schmutzigen Witz und alle lachten verlegen.
He told a dirty joke, and everyone laughed awkwardly.
schmutzige Wäsche waschen
to air dirty laundry
An idiom that means to spread private and unpleasant details or conflicts in public.
EXAMPLE
Das Paar sollte aufhören, vor allen Leuten seine schmutzige Wäsche zu waschen.
The couple should stop airing their dirty laundry in front of everyone.
schmutzig
muddy / dull
Describes a color that is not pure or bright, but looks cloudy, dull, or mixed with gray or brown tones.
EXAMPLE
Die Wand war in einem schmutzigen Gelb gestrichen.
The wall was painted a dull yellow.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'schmutzig' (dirty) derives directly from the noun 'der Schmutz' (dirt). Something that is full of dirt is 'schmutzig' (dirty).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Spaziergang im Regen war überall Schmutz auf dem Boden.
After the walk in the rain, there was dirt everywhere on the floor.
Context clues
The meaning of 'schmutzig' (dirty) depends strongly on the noun it describes. 'Schmutzige Kleidung' (dirty clothes) is meant literally, while 'schmutzige Gedanken' (dirty thoughts) or 'ein schmutziges Geschäft' (a dirty deal/business) are metaphorical.
EXAMPLE
Bitte zieh deine schmutzigen Schuhe aus, bevor du ins Haus kommst.
Please take off your dirty shoes before you come into the house.
Metaphorical meaning
In its figurative meaning, 'schmutzig' (dirty) describes something morally offensive or unfair. Typical combinations are 'ein schmutziger Witz' (a dirty joke), 'ein schmutziger Trick' (a dirty trick), or 'ein schmutziger Wahlkampf' (a dirty election campaign).
EXAMPLE
Die gegnerische Mannschaft gewann durch ein schmutziges Foul.
The opposing team won through a dirty foul.
Fixed idiom
The phrase 'schmutzige Wäsche waschen' (to air dirty laundry) is a fixed idiom. It means to discuss private, unpleasant, or embarrassing matters in public.
EXAMPLE
Bei ihrer Scheidung haben sie eine Menge schmutzige Wäsche gewaschen.
During their divorce, they aired a lot of dirty laundry.
Use with colors
When 'schmutzig' (muddy/dull) stands before a color, it means that the shade is not clear or bright. It then looks cloudy, dull, or mixed with gray.
EXAMPLE
Die Fassade war in einem schmutzigen Weiß gestrichen, das dringend einen neuen Anstrich brauchte.
The facade was painted a dull white that badly needed a new coat of paint.
Compare with
schmutzig vs unfair
unfair
Both words can criticize a tactic that violates the rules or puts someone at a disadvantage. „Unfair“ primarily describes the lack of fairness or the disadvantage, while „schmutzig“ also suggests underhandedness or moral unscrupulousness. „Unfair“ is more suitable for factual criticism, while „schmutzig“ can sound stronger when the conduct is particularly dishonorable.
schmutzig
Der Spieler nannte es eine schmutzige Taktik, den Gegner absichtlich abzulenken.
The player called it a dirty tactic to deliberately distract his opponent.
unfair
Der Spieler fand es unfair, dass sein Gegner ihn absichtlich abgelenkt hatte.
The player thought it was unfair that his opponent had deliberately distracted him.
In real life
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