01
ungeschickt
clumsy
A lack of physical skill or coordination, often leading to small mishaps.
example
Ich bin so ungeschickt, ich habe schon wieder mein Glas umgestoßen.
I'm so clumsy; I've knocked over my glass again.
ungeschickt
clumsy / awkward
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the negating prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'geschickt' (skillful). 'Geschickt' comes from the noun 'das Geschick' (skill, aptitude), which means something like ability or talent.
EXAMPLE
Er ist handwerklich sehr ungeschickt und kann nicht einmal einen Nagel in die Wand schlagen.
He is very clumsy with his hands and can't even hammer a nail into the wall.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'körperlich ungeschickt' (physically clumsy), the phrase 'sich ungeschickt anstellen' (to be clumsy / to go about something awkwardly) is often used. Combinations like 'ungeschickte Hände' (clumsy hands) or 'eine ungeschickte Bewegung' (a clumsy movement) are also typical.
EXAMPLE
Er stellte sich beim Tanzen sehr ungeschickt an.
He was very clumsy when dancing.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the physical or social meaning is intended. If it is about movements and actions, the meaning is physical. If it is about words, questions, or behavior in social situations, it is the social meaning.
EXAMPLE
Seine Bemerkung über ihr Kleid war wirklich ungeschickt.
His remark about her dress was really tactless.
Typical collocations
When referring to social situations, 'ungeschickt' is often combined with nouns that describe an utterance. Typical examples are 'eine ungeschickte Frage' (an awkward question), 'eine ungeschickte Bemerkung' (a tactless remark), or 'ein ungeschickter Moment' (an awkward moment).
EXAMPLE
Es war ein ungeschickter Versuch, das Thema zu wechseln.
It was an awkward attempt to change the subject.
Compare with
ungeschickt vs smart
smart
'smart' and 'ungeschickt' can form opposites when it comes to behavior in a situation. 'smart' describes an intelligent, clever, or skillful way of acting. 'ungeschickt', by contrast, means that someone acts in an inappropriate, tactless, or awkward way. 'Smart' often sounds positive and modern, while 'ungeschickt' more often describes a mistake in behavior or word choice.
ungeschickt
Seine Bemerkung über das Gehalt war in diesem Gespräch ziemlich ungeschickt.
His comment about the salary was pretty tactless in this conversation.
smart
Die Kundin findet es smart, dass der Verkäufer sofort eine einfache Lösung anbietet.
The customer thinks it is smart that the salesman immediately offers a simple solution.
In real life
Loading video examples...