üppig
lush / abundant
Present in great fullness or quantity; plentiful. Often used for meals, vegetation, or decoration.
EXAMPLE
Im Garten wuchsen die Rosen dieses Jahr besonders üppig.
The roses in the garden grew especially lushly this year.
üppig
lush / ample
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Meanings
üppig
curvaceous
Describes a body, especially a woman's body, as full and curvy.
EXAMPLE
Die barocken Gemälde zeigen oft Frauen mit üppigen Figuren.
Baroque paintings often show women with curvaceous figures.
üppig
lavish / generous
Describes a sum of money, salary, or profit as very high or generous.
EXAMPLE
Für den Jobwechsel wurde ihm ein üppiges Gehalt angeboten.
He was offered a generous salary for changing jobs.
Usage tips
Basic meaning: abundance
The word 'üppig' (lush/ample) always describes a large amount or abundance. It often has a positive connotation of richness, generosity, or luxury, whether it is about food, money, or plants.
EXAMPLE
Zum Fest gab es ein üppiges Buffet mit vielen verschiedenen Speisen.
There was a lavish buffet with many different dishes for the celebration.
Three main contexts
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'üppig' (lush/ample) from the noun. In connection with food or nature, it means 'reichlich' (abundant/plentiful). With people, it describes a 'kurvenreiche Figur' (curvaceous figure). In a financial context, it means 'sehr hoch' (very high).
EXAMPLE
Die Pflanzen in ihrem Garten wachsen sehr üppig.
The plants in her garden grow very lushly.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'ein üppiges Mahl' (a lavish meal) or 'ein üppiges Frühstück' (a hearty breakfast) when it is about food. For plants, people often use 'üppige Vegetation' (lush vegetation) or 'ein üppiger Garten' (a lush garden).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Wanderung freuten wir uns auf ein üppiges Abendessen.
After the hike, we looked forward to a hearty dinner.
Describing people
When 'üppig' (curvaceous) describes a person, it refers to a full, curvy body shape. It is often used as a polite or neutral description.
EXAMPLE
Das Gemälde zeigt eine Frau mit üppigen Formen.
The painting shows a woman with curvaceous forms.
Compare with
üppig vs reichlich
plentiful / quite
Reichlich emphasizes that a large or more than sufficient amount of something is available. Üppig also describes great abundance, but additionally conveys an impression of particular variety or splendor. For a meal, reichlich refers to the quantity, while üppig describes the overall impression.
üppig
Für die Feier steht ein üppiges Buffet mit vielen aufwendig dekorierten Speisen bereit.
An abundant buffet with many elaborately decorated dishes is ready for the celebration.
reichlich
Für alle Gäste steht reichlich Essen auf dem Tisch.
There is plenty of food on the table for all the guests.
In real life
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