01
träge
sluggish
Slow, without energy or drive; heavy and listless in movement or action.
example
Nach dem üppigen Mittagessen fühlte er sich träge und müde.
After the large lunch, he felt sluggish and tired.
träge
sluggish / inert
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'träge' (sluggish/inert) belongs to the word family of 'die Trägheit' (inertia/sluggishness). This noun refers both to the human trait of lack of drive and to the physical principle of inertia.
EXAMPLE
Die Trägheit der Masse ist ein Grundprinzip der Physik.
The inertia of mass is a basic principle of physics.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'träge' (sluggish/inert) from the context. If people, feelings, or slow movements are being discussed, it means 'antriebslos' (lacking drive). In scientific contexts (chemistry, physics) with words like 'Gas' (gas) or 'Stoff' (substance), it means 'does not react'.
EXAMPLE
Der Fluss bewegt sich hier sehr träge.
The river moves very sluggishly here.
Typical collocations
In its everyday meaning, 'träge' (sluggish) is often used to describe a feeling or state. Typical phrases are 'sich träge fühlen' (to feel sluggish), 'träge werden' (to become sluggish), or also for slow, heavy movements, such as 'ein träger Fluss' (a sluggish river).
EXAMPLE
An heißen Sommertagen fühle ich mich oft besonders träge.
On hot summer days, I often feel especially sluggish.
Register: technical language
The meaning 'inert' or 'reaktionsträge' (slow to react) is purely technical language. It is used almost exclusively in the natural sciences, such as physics and chemistry.
EXAMPLE
Stickstoff ist unter normalen Bedingungen ein relativ träges Element.
Under normal conditions, nitrogen is a relatively inert element.
Compare with
träge vs schnell
fast / quick
'schnell' and 'träge' are clear opposites. 'schnell' describes a movement, action, or process with high speed or without a long wait. 'träge' describes someone or something that seems slow, sluggish, and without energy. So 'träge' does not just mean 'slow'; it also suggests a lack of drive or strength. With people, animals, or processes, 'träge' often sounds somewhat negative.
träge
Nach dem langen Mittagessen war er träge und wollte nicht weiterarbeiten.
After the long lunch, he was sluggish and didn't want to keep working.
schnell
In der Stadt ist das Fahrrad oft schneller als das Auto.
In the city, a bike is often faster than a car.
In real life
Loading video examples...