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How to Say ‘Serious / bad’ in German

Schlimm

shlim

[shlim]

💬 Usage Tip: schlimm is about how serious or worrying something is, while schlecht is closer to "poor quality". Ask Ist das schlimm? when you want to know if you should worry.

Phrase Breakdown

Schlimm

[shlim]

bad / serious

Adjective for something bad, serious or worrying.

Example

Die Erkältung ist nicht schlimm.

The cold is not serious.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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