01
steil
steep
Having a strong upward or downward slope.
example
Der Weg zum Gipfel ist sehr steil.
The path to the summit is very steep.
steil
steep
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'steil' (steep) usually describes paths, roads, or terrain. Typical collocations are 'ein steiler Berg' (a steep mountain), 'eine steile Küste' (a steep coast), 'eine steile Treppe' (a steep staircase), or 'ein steiler Anstieg' (a steep climb).
EXAMPLE
Für die Radtour haben wir eine Route ohne steile Anstiege gewählt.
For the bike tour, we chose a route without steep climbs.
Use as an adverb
'Steil' (steeply) is also used as an adverb to describe how something rises or falls. Typical verbs in this context are 'ansteigen' (to rise), 'abfallen' (to drop/slope down), or 'bergauf gehen' (to go uphill).
EXAMPLE
Die Aktienkurse sind nach der Ankündigung steil angestiegen.
The share prices rose steeply after the announcement.
Colloquial phrase
The phrase 'steil gehen' is colloquial and means that something is awesome or that an event was very successful and lively. It is often used by younger people.
EXAMPLE
Die Party am Samstag ist richtig steil gegangen!
The party on Saturday was really awesome!
Fixed expression
The fixed expression 'eine steile These' (a bold claim) refers to a provocative, daring, or hard-to-prove assertion. It is often used in discussions or debates.
EXAMPLE
Seine Behauptung, dass alle Probleme durch Technik lösbar sind, ist eine ziemlich steile These.
His claim that all problems can be solved through technology is a pretty bold claim.
Figurative meaning
In connection with 'Karriere' (career) or 'Aufstieg' (rise), 'steil' describes a very fast and successful professional path. People then speak of a 'steile Karriere' (rapid career rise).
EXAMPLE
Nach ihrem Studium hat sie eine steile Karriere in der Finanzbranche gemacht.
After her studies, she had a rapid career rise in the finance industry.
Compare with
steil vs eben
just / exactly
'eben' and 'steil' are opposites when it comes to paths, surfaces, or terrain. 'eben' describes something flat or level, without a strong upward or downward slope. 'steil' describes the opposite: it goes sharply upward or downward. On a walk, a level path is easy to walk on; a steep path is more tiring.
steil
Der Weg zum Schloss ist sehr steil, deshalb gehen wir langsam.
The path to the castle is very steep, so we walk slowly.
eben
Für die Radtour wählen wir eine ebene Strecke ohne viele Hügel.
For the bike ride, we choose a flat route without many hills.
In real life
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