tollpatschig

clumsy

adjective TOL-pat-shikh Rare

Also means

awkward

Usage Note

tollpatschig describes endearing physical clumsiness, as in ein tollpatschiger Welpe. It is affectionate rather than harsh, suggesting good-natured awkwardness rather than incompetence.

Examples

"Er stolperte tollpatschig über die Stufe."

Natural Translation

He stumbled clumsily over the step.

Literal Translation

He stumbled clumsily over the step.

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