Dünn vs. schlank
The German words dünn and schlank are commonly used to describe physical appearances or the state of being thin, but they carry slightly different nuances and apply in different contexts.
Dünn
A1Dünn generally describes something that is thin, skinny, or slender in a neutral to slightly negative sense. It can refer to people, objects, or abstract things (e.g., thin hair, weak soup). When describing people, it may imply being underweight.
Das Mädchen ist sehr dünn.
(The girl is very thin.)
Die Suppe ist zu dünn geworden.
(The soup has turned out too thin.)
Nach der Krankheit war er ziemlich dünn.
(After the illness, he was quite thin.)
Diese Jacke ist zu dünn für den Winter.
(This jacket is too thin for the winter.)
Schlank
B1Schlank is used to describe someone who is slim, slender, or lean in an attractive or healthy way. It often carries positive connotations and emphasizes a balanced or well-proportioned appearance.
Sie hat eine schlanke Figur.
(She has a slim figure.)
Trotz seines Alters ist er immer noch schlank.
(Despite his age, he is still slender.)
Ein schlanker Körper ist das Ziel vieler Menschen.
(A slim body is the goal of many people.)
Die schlanke Vase passt perfekt auf den Tisch.
(The slender vase fits perfectly on the table.)
Summary
In German, dünn and schlank both describe being thin but differ in meaning and usage. Dünn often has a neutral to negative connotation, used for people (emphasizing underweight) or objects (e.g., thin soup or material). Schlank, however, conveys positive attributes, especially when referring to people, suggesting healthiness and attractiveness. Choosing the right term depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.