zackig
brisk
Quick, energetic, and decisive; often suggesting military or strict discipline.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer gab zackige Anweisungen und erwartete sofortige Reaktionen.
The coach gave brisk instructions and expected immediate responses.
zackig
brisk / jagged
zackig – zackiger – am zackigsten
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Meanings
zackig
jagged
Having pointed projections or consisting of sharp, irregular protrusions and angles.
EXAMPLE
Die zackige Linie auf der Karte zeigt den Verlauf der Bergkette.
The jagged line on the map shows the course of the mountain range.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry zackig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | zackig |
|---|---|
| comparative | zackiger |
| superlative | am zackigsten |
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 zackig.
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 zackig.
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 zackig.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Zackig' (brisk / jagged) consists of the stem 'zack-' and the suffix '-ig'. The stem brings to mind 'eine Zacke' (a pointed projection), so the adjective can describe both a jagged shape and an energetic, decisive manner.
EXAMPLE
Der zackige Rand des Blattes ist deutlich zu erkennen.
The jagged edge of the leaf is clearly visible.
Colloquial style
In the sense of 'energisch und entschlossen' (energetic and decisive), 'zackig' (brisk) is often colloquial and frequently describes instructions, responses, movements, or a tone of voice. Depending on the situation, the word can also convey strictness or impatience.
EXAMPLE
Die zackige Antwort des Abteilungsleiters überraschte alle.
The department head's brisk response surprised everyone.
Typical collocations
Typical collocations in this sense are 'zackige Anweisungen' (brisk instructions), 'ein zackiger Ton' (a brisk tone), and 'zackig auftreten' (to act in a brisk manner). The word usually refers to an energetic way of speaking or acting.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Ausbilderin trat zackig auf und duldete keine Verzögerungen.
The new instructor acted in a brisk manner and tolerated no delays.
Describing shapes
When describing shapes and patterns, 'zackig' (jagged) often appears directly before words such as 'Linie' (line), 'Rand' (edge), 'Muster' (pattern), or 'Verlauf' (course). In the context of drawings, maps, or surfaces, it indicates many sharp angles or irregular projections.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Stoff ist ein zackiges Muster in Blau und Weiß zu sehen.
A jagged pattern in blue and white is visible on the fabric.
In real life
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