kläglich

miserably, pitifully

adverb KLAEG-likh Rare

Also means

wretchedly, dismally

Usage Note

Kläglich used adverbially means failing or behaving in a pitifully inadequate way. Kläglich scheitern is a set phrase for failing spectacularly. It carries a tone of contempt or pity. The adjective also means 'wretched' in describing a sound or sight.

Examples

"Das Experiment ist kläglich gescheitert."

Natural Translation

The experiment failed miserably.

Literal Translation

The experiment is miserably failed.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

Weil vs Denn vs Da: "Because" in German

Weil and da send the verb to the end; denn keeps it in second position. Here's how to pick the right German "because" and place the verb correctly.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Compound Words: How to Read Any Long Word

Read any long German word by working right-to-left: the last noun sets the meaning and gender, and the small linking letters are just glue. Here's the drill.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Tipping in Germany: A Visitor's Etiquette Guide

Tipping in Germany means saying your total out loud, not leaving coins. Learn the exact phrases, how much to tip, and the Sie-vs-du etiquette travelers need.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Colors: Names, Shades, and Idioms

German colors are adjectives that take endings — say das rote Auto, not das rot Auto. Get the names, shades, the das-Rot rule, and 14 color idioms.

June 5, 2026 5 min read