wackelig
wobbly
Not firm or stable, so that something can easily sway or fall over.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Stuhl ist so wackelig, dass ich mich lieber nicht darauf setze.
The old chair is so wobbly that I would rather not sit on it.
wackelig
wobbly
wackelig – wackeliger – am wackeligsten
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Meanings
wackelig
unstable
Uncertain or unstable and therefore at risk of failing or changing.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit ist die Beziehung der beiden ziemlich wackelig.
After the argument, the relationship between the two of them is pretty unstable.
wackelig
unsteady
Colloquial: physically weak and unsteady, for example after an illness or in old age.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Grippe war mein Opa noch ziemlich wackelig auf den Beinen.
After the long bout of flu, my grandpa was still pretty unsteady on his feet.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry wackelig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | wackelig |
|---|---|
| comparative | wackeliger |
| superlative | am wackeligsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to wackelig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to wackelig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to wackelig.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Wackelig' (wobbly) is derived from 'wackeln' (to wobble). The ending '-ig' forms an adjective here and describes something that tends to wobble or does not seem firm.
EXAMPLE
Der wackelige Hocker steht seit Jahren in der Küche.
The wobbly stool has been standing in the kitchen for years.
Typical collocations
For a physically unstable object, common collocations include 'wackeliger Tisch' (wobbly table), 'wackelige Leiter' (wobbly ladder), and 'wackeliger Zahn' (loose tooth). The adjective often appears directly before the object.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der wackeligen Leiter bat sie ihren Bruder um Hilfe.
Because of the wobbly ladder, she asked her brother for help.
Uncertain situation
In its figurative meaning, 'wackelig' (unstable) often describes a situation, plan, majority, or relationship whose continued existence is uncertain. Such combinations usually refer to developments or decisions.
EXAMPLE
Die wackelige Mehrheit im Parlament könnte bald auseinanderbrechen.
The shaky majority in parliament could soon fall apart.
In real life
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