eckig

Eckig is a German adjective that describes something with corners or edges rather than smooth, rounded contours. It is used for objects, shapes, and forms that have angular or square features. In design, architecture, and everyday language, eckig contrasts with rund or abgerundet when referring to corners and silhouettes.

Etymology and related terms: The word comes from Eck, meaning corner, with the suffix -ig, a common way to form adjectives in German. Related terms include kantig, which also conveys angularity but can carry a nuance of roughness or bluntness, and abgerundet, which describes rounded or softened edges.

Usage and examples: Eckig is used in both literal and figurative senses. Literal uses include describing geometry or construction: Der Tisch hat eckige Kanten. Das ist ein eckiges Quadrat. Ein eckiges Fenster wirkt moderner. Figurative uses are less common but possible, for example to describe a straightforward or unsentimental style: ein eckiger Stil. Additionally, it appears in compound nouns and phrases such as eckige Ecken (angular corners) and eckige Formen (angular shapes).

Grammar note: Eckig is an attributive adjective that follows standard German declension rules, changing its ending according to gender, number, and definiteness of the noun it modifies. It can appear in predicative position as well: Der Rahmen ist eckig. In general, eckig emphasizes the presence of sharp corners or straight edges.

In summary, eckig denotes angularity or square-shaped characteristics in objects and designs, with everyday and technical usage across contexts.