German

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Etymology

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An originally Low and Central German word from Middle Low German nǖtlīk (delicious, delicate) and Central Franconian Middle High German nītlīche, late Central Middle High German niethlīchen (eagerly). It is then from Old Saxon niudlīko (eagerly) (compare Old English nēodlīċe), derived from Old Saxon niud, from Proto-Germanic *neudaz (desire, drive, urge), equivalent to nied +‎ -lich. More at English needly.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): [ˈniːtlɪç]
  • Audio:(file)

Adjective

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niedlich (strong nominative masculine singular niedlicher, comparative niedlicher, superlative am niedlichsten)

  1. cute, pretty, charming, adorable
  2. (humorous) tiny, minute

Declension

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Synonyms

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Derived terms

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Further reading

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  • niedlich” in Duden online
  • niedlich” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache