wacklig
wobbly
Not firm or stable, so that something can easily sway or fall over.
EXAMPLE
Der wacklige Tisch muss dringend repariert werden.
The wobbly table urgently needs to be repaired.
wacklig
wobbly / shaky
wacklig – wackliger – am wackligsten
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Meanings
wacklig
shaky
Uncertain or not very reliable, for example when referring to a situation, plan, or justification.
EXAMPLE
Die wacklige Mehrheit im Parlament kann jederzeit zerbrechen.
The shaky majority in parliament could collapse at any time.
wacklig
unsteady
Colloquial: physically weak and unsteady, especially when standing or walking.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Krankheit ist mein Opa noch etwas wacklig auf den Beinen.
After his long illness, my grandpa is still a little wobbly on his feet.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry wacklig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | wacklig |
|---|---|
| comparative | wackliger |
| superlative | am wackligsten |
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 wacklig.
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 wacklig.
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 wacklig.
Usage tips
Word family
'Wacklig' (wobbly) is related to the verb 'wackeln' (to wobble) and describes something that wobbles or is not securely fixed. The ending '-ig' forms an adjective from this base.
EXAMPLE
Der wacklige Hocker steht auf einem unebenen Boden.
The wobbly stool is standing on uneven ground.
Typical collocations
For the physically or materially unstable meaning, 'wacklig' (wobbly) is often used with objects that sway or are not securely fastened. Typical collocations are 'ein wackliger Stuhl' (a wobbly chair), 'eine wacklige Leiter' (a wobbly ladder), and 'ein wackliger Zahn' (a loose tooth).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des wackligen Geländers darf dort niemand hinaufklettern.
Because of the wobbly railing, no one is allowed to climb up there.
Abstract usage
With abstract nouns, 'wacklig' (shaky) describes an uncertain basis or a situation that can change quickly. It often refers to majorities, plans, justifications, or political situations.
EXAMPLE
Der wacklige Plan scheiterte schon an der ersten praktischen Prüfung.
The shaky plan failed at the very first practical test.
In real life
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