01
schräg
slanted
Not horizontal or vertical; in an inclined or diagonal position.
example
Das Bild hängt schräg an der Wand, du musst es geraderücken.
The picture is hanging crookedly on the wall; you need to straighten it.
schräg
slanted / odd
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'schräg' depends strongly on the noun it describes. If it refers to an object, it means the position. If it refers to a person or an idea, it means 'seltsam' (strange). If it refers to music or sounds, it means 'unharmonisch' (unharmonious).
EXAMPLE
Die schräge Wand im Dachgeschoss ist ein architektonisches Detail.
The slanted wall in the attic is an architectural detail.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'seltsam' (strange) or 'unkonventionell' (unconventional) is colloquial. In formal texts, other words would be used instead.
EXAMPLE
Sie trug ein ziemlich schräges Kleid auf der Party.
She wore a pretty odd dress at the party.
Typical collocations
In the colloquial meaning, 'schräg' (odd) is often combined with people or their characteristics. Common phrases are 'ein schräger Typ' (an odd guy), 'ein schräger Vogel' (a strange person), or 'schräger Humor' (odd humor).
EXAMPLE
Mein neuer Kollege ist ein schräger Vogel, aber sehr sympathisch.
My new colleague is an odd bird, but very likable.
Fixed expression
The expression 'schräg gegenüber' (diagonally opposite) is a fixed location phrase. It describes that something is on the other side, for example of a street, and at the same time offset diagonally.
EXAMPLE
Wir wohnen schräg gegenüber von der Bäckerei.
We live diagonally opposite the bakery.
Context: sounds
When 'schräg' is used in connection with music, instruments, or voices, it always means 'falsch' (wrong/off-key), 'unharmonisch' (unharmonious), or 'misstönend' (discordant).
EXAMPLE
Er hat versucht, Gitarre zu spielen, aber es kamen nur schräge Töne heraus.
He tried to play the guitar, but only off-key notes came out.
Compare with
schräg vs gerade
right now / straight
'gerade' and 'schräg' both describe the shape or position of something. 'gerade' means that something is not bent or runs in a direct line. 'schräg' means that something is tilted or diagonal and is not horizontal or vertical. You can confuse the words when talking about lines, paths, or objects. As a simple guide: a straight line continues directly, while a slanted line runs at an angle.
schräg
Im Büro hängt der Bildschirm schräg an der Wand.
In the office, the screen is hanging crookedly on the wall.
gerade
Der Gast stellt den Stuhl wieder gerade an den Tisch.
The guest puts the chair straight again at the table.
In real life
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