leise

Meaning and Usage

"Leise" in German means "quiet" or "soft" and is used to describe something that is not making much noise, or someone who is speaking, walking, or doing something quietly.

Linguistic Analysis

"Leise" is an adverb in German. It does not have a prefix or a suffix. Its etymology is from the Middle High German word "līse."

Comparisons between German and English

The English word "quiet" can be used as an adjective or an adverb, while "leise" is specifically an adverb in German.

Cultural Context

In German culture, being "leise" is often seen as a positive characteristic, especially in public spaces or in moments of reflection and contemplation.

Example Sentences

• Die Kinder spielen leise, damit sie die Eltern nicht stören. (The children play quietly so as not to disturb the parents.)
• Sie flüsterte leise, um das Geheimnis zu bewahren. (She whispered quietly to keep the secret.)

Memory Tips

To remember the meaning of "leise," think of the word "quietly" in English and its similarity to "leise."

Additional Vocabulary

• Synonyms: still, sanft (gentle), leise, geräuschlos (noiseless)
• Antonyms: laut (loud), brüllend (roaring)

Gender and Plural (for nouns)

"Leise" is an adverb and does not have gender or plural forms.

Conjugation (for verbs)

N/A