tief
Meaning and Usage
"Tief" in German translates to "deep" or "low" in English. It is commonly used to describe depth, such as "tiefes Wasser" (deep water) or "tief liegende Gefühle" (deep-seated feelings), as well as to express low physical positions, for example, "tief sitzen" (to sit low) or "tief hängen" (to hang low).
Linguistic Analysis
The word "tief" is an adjective in German and does not have a prefix, root, or suffix. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old High German word "tiof," which has ties to the Proto-Indo-European root "dheubh," meaning 'deep' or 'hollow.'
Comparisons between German and English
The word "tief" in German directly corresponds to "deep" or "low" in English, sharing a similar meaning and usage.
Cultural Context
The concept of depth and low position is widely reflected in German culture, often seen in expressions, literature, and art.
Example Sentences
- Das Wasser ist sehr tief. (The water is very deep.)
- Sie atmete tief ein und aus. (She breathed deeply in and out.)
- Seine Stimme klang tief und melodisch. (His voice sounded deep and melodious.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "tief," associate it with deep things such as deep water, deep emotions, or sitting low.
Additional Vocabulary
- Synonyms: tiefliegend (deep-seated), niedrig (low)
- Antonyms: flach (shallow), hoch (high)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
N/A (Adjective)
Conjugation (for verbs)
N/A (Adjective)