Staubig

Staubig is an adjective in the German language used to describe objects, surfaces, or environments that carry or are covered with dust. It denotes a literal accumulation of fine particles that can result from neglect, dryness, or recent disturbance. In everyday speech one might say: "Der Boden ist staubig," "Die Regale sind staubig," or "Das Archiv wirkt staubig."

Etymology and cognates: Staubig is formed from the noun Staub (dust) plus the adjectival suffix -ig. The construction is common in German for describing a quality. Cognates in other Germanic languages include Dutch stoffig and Swedish dammig, both meaning dusty.

Usage notes: Staubig describes physical conditions, and can also be used metaphorically to evoke antiquity, neglect, or dullness, as in "eine staubige Vergangenheit" or "ein staubiges Archiv." In grammar, it follows standard adjective declension: der staubige Boden, die staubige Oberfläche, das staubige Zimmer; predicatively: Der Raum ist staubig.