schwül
humid
Describes weather that feels unpleasant and oppressive because of a combination of high humidity and warmth.
EXAMPLE
Heute ist es so schwül, dass man kaum atmen kann.
It's so humid today that you can hardly breathe.
schwül
humid / sultry
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Meanings
schwül
sultry
Describes an atmosphere or mood that is perceived as erotically charged, sensual, or provocative.
EXAMPLE
In der Bar herrschte eine schwüle Atmosphäre aus Parfum und leiser Jazzmusik.
There was a sultry atmosphere in the bar, filled with perfume and soft jazz music.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'schwül' (humid/sultry) is closely related to the noun 'die Schwüle' (humidity, sultriness). 'Die Schwüle' describes the state of humid, oppressive weather itself.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der großen Schwüle konnte ich kaum schlafen.
Because of the intense humidity, I could hardly sleep.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'schwül' (humid/sultry) from the context. If people are talking about 'Wetter' (weather), 'Luft' (air), 'Hitze' (heat), or 'Sommer' (summer), it means oppressive, humid warmth. In connection with 'Atmosphäre' (atmosphere), 'Stimmung' (mood), or 'Blick' (look/gaze), it has the erotic, sensual meaning.
EXAMPLE
An diesem schwülen Sommertag sind alle ins Freibad gegangen.
On this humid summer day, everyone went to the outdoor pool.
Typical use
When talking about the weather, 'schwül' (humid) is very often used with 'es ist' (it is) to describe the current state of the atmosphere. Common combinations are also 'schwüle Hitze' (humid heat) or 'ein schwüler Tag' (a humid day).
EXAMPLE
Es ist heute sehr schwül und drückend.
It is very humid and oppressive today.
Compare with
schwül vs feucht
damp / humid
Feucht describes air containing a lot of water without specifying whether it is warm or unpleasant. Schwül, on the other hand, means that high humidity and warmth are experienced together as oppressive. Feucht is appropriate for the water content; schwül for oppressively humid heat.
schwül
Am warmen Nachmittag war die Luft draußen unangenehm schwül.
The air outside was unpleasantly muggy on the warm afternoon.
feucht
Am kühlen Morgen war die Luft draußen sehr feucht.
The air outside was very damp on the cool morning.
In real life
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