In German
schlecht
Meaning: bad
Formal or informal? “Schlecht” means bad in quality or how you feel. For something serious, like bad news, use “schlimm”.
Example sentences
DasWetteristheuteschlecht.
The weather is bad today.
Ichfühlemichschlecht.
I feel bad.
DaswareinschlechterTag.
That was a bad day.
Grammar note
Before a noun, “schlecht” takes the same agreeing endings as “gut”: “ein schlechter Tag” (masculine), “eine schlechte Nachricht” (feminine), “ein schlechtes Wetter” (neuter).
Common mistake
Don't use “schlecht” for serious bad news. “Eine schlimme Nachricht” sounds right, while “eine schlechte Nachricht” is less natural for something shocking.
Quick check
Which German word means “bad” as in bad weather or “I feel bad”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between “schlecht” and “schlimm”?
“Schlecht” is bad in quality, while “schlimm” is serious or terrible, like a bad accident.
What is the comparative of “schlecht”?
“Schlechter” (worse) and “am schlechtesten” (worst).