German word of the day: Niedlich

Why do I need to know niedlich?

Because once you know it, this charming adjective is likely to become a word you use a lot in your everyday life - and some people may even use it to describe you. 

What does it mean?

Niedlich (pronounced like this) essentially means 'cute' or 'sweet' and has many of the same connotations as these English words. If something is so adorable that you can't help but be drawn to it, then this is probably the adjective you're looking for.

As you might imagine, you'll often hear babies, children and animals described as niedlich, but you can also use it to describe someone who behaves in a sweet or charming manner - or who is just unbearably cute in other ways.

READ ALSO: German word of the day - Feige

If the word sounds familiar, it's because you've likely heard 'nieder' attached to certain place names in Germany, such as Niederbayern or Niedersachsen (and, of course, die Niederlande - or Netherlands). In this context, nieder refers to the flatlands, or lowlands, as opposed to the mountain regions. 

While they may not sound like they have a lot to do with each other, it may make more sense when you realise that niedlich can also be used to mean 'small'. And since small things are often pretty cute, this secondary meaning shouldn't be too hard to remember. 

Use it like this: 

Ist das dein kleiner Bruder? Er ist so niedlich! 

Is that your little brother? He's so cute!

Die Hündchen sahen so niedlich aus, als sie miteinander gespielt haben.

The puppies looked so cute when they were playing with each other.