mäßig

Mäßig is a German adjective and adverb meaning moderate, temperate, or restrained. It describes a degree that is not extreme and is used for quantities, qualities, or actions. As an attributive adjective it appears before the noun: eine mäßige Portion, mäßige Kosten, eine mäßige Leistung. In colloquial speech and writing it can also modify adjectives like teuer: mäßig teuer (moderately expensive). The adverbial use is common in phrases such as „mäßig viel“ (a moderate amount) or „das ist mäßig teuer“ (that is moderately expensive).

Etymology and usage notes: The word derives from the root Maß meaning measure, with the suffix -ig forming adjectives denoting characteristic of. Historically mäßig referred to acting with restraint or in measured proportion; in contemporary usage it signals a middle ground in degree, neither enthusiastic nor overwhelming.

Nuance and context: In modern German, mäßig is generally neutral but can carry a modestly negative nuance if applied to a quality that would ideally be stronger or better. Its strength is subtle, often conveying cautious or pragmatic assessment rather than enthusiasm.

Related terms: Mäßigung (moderation), maßvoll (measured, temperate), and the antonym maßlos (without measure, extreme). The term is commonly contrasted with extremes and with phrases that indicate a middle course.

Translations: In English, mäßig is typically translated as moderate or moderately; it can also be rendered as temperate or modest depending on context.