German · Emotions & Descriptions
"Thin" in German: dünn
dünn
Note: slim: schlank
Thin in German is dünn. Say dünne Scheiben, ein dünner Pulli, or Die Wand ist dünn. For a slim person schlank often sounds kinder than dünn.
Cooking
Schneide die Zwiebeln dünn.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce dünn
Say it
DÜNN
/dʏn/
DÜNN. Ü like ee with rounded lips; double n.
"Thin" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| dünn | thin Base adjective. | Base adjective. |
| dünne / dünner / dünnes | thin (inflected) Before nouns. | Before nouns. |
| schlank | slim Often politer for people. | Often politer for people. |
| dünnflüssig | runny / thin (liquid) Sauces and paint. | Sauces and paint. |
How to use dünn in real life
- 1Cooking
Schneide die Zwiebeln dünn.
Slice the onions thinly.
Adverbial dünn.
- 2Clothes
Der Pullover ist zu dünn für den Winter.
The sweater is too thin for winter.
Zu dünn.
- 3Paper
Das Papier fühlt sich dünn an.
The paper feels thin.
Predicate dünn.
Mistakes English speakers make with dünn
Incorrect: ein dünn Papier
Correct: ein dünnes Papier
Before neuter nouns use dünnes.
Incorrect: Sie ist dünn. (harsh compliment)
Correct: Sie ist schlank.
Schlank is usually softer for people.
Good to know
Dünn is neutral for objects and food. About bodies, many speakers prefer schlank or avoid comment altogether.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Packing for a trip
ChatPal
Ist die Jacke zu dünn?
Is the jacket too thin?
You
Ja, viel zu dünn für den Wind.
Yes, way too thin for the wind.
ChatPal
Dann nimm den dickeren Mantel.
Then take the thicker coat.
You
Okay. Die dünne Jacke bleibt hier.
Okay. The thin jacket stays here.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Thin" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Thin" in German
Base form?
Dünn.
Before nouns?
Dünne, dünner, dünnes…
Slim person?
Often schlank.
Thin slices?
Dünne Scheiben.
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- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
