auffällig

Auffällig is a German adjective meaning noticeable, conspicuous, or striking. It describes something that draws attention because of appearance, behavior, or circumstances. The connotation varies with context: it can be neutral, simply indicating visibility, or negative, suggesting excess or suspiciousness.

Etymology and related forms: Auffällig derives from the verb auffallen, “to attract attention, to stand out,” with the suffix -lich forming an adjective. The noun form auffälligkeit denotes conspicuousness or perceptibility.

Usage and nuances: In describing people or objects, auffällig is often used with clothing, features, or styles (auffällige Kleidung, auffällige Merkmale, auffälliger Stil). Behavior can also be labeled auffällig (auffälliges Verhalten). The opposite is unauffällig or unscheinbar, meaning unobtrusive or inconspicuous. In journalism and policing, auffällig can carry a negative or cautionary tone (z. B. auffälliges Verhalten = behavior that attracts suspicion), though it does not by itself imply guilt.

Grammar and collocations: As an attributive adjective, it declines like other adjectives: der auffällige Mann, die auffällige Jacke, die auffälligen Merkmale. Common collocations include auffällig gekleidet, auffällig laut, auffälliges Muster, and auffällige Frisur.

English equivalents include conspicuous, noticeable, striking, or prominent, depending on context. Auffällig is a versatile term in German, useful for describing anything that stands out in a given situation.