nüchternen

Nüchternen is a German adjective that translates to sober or abstemious in English. It primarily describes a state of not having consumed alcohol, and by extension, can refer to a lack of intoxication or a state of clear-headedness. The term is often used in contexts related to abstinence, such as "nüchtern bleiben" (to stay sober) or "nüchtern aufwachen" (to wake up sober).

Beyond the literal meaning of not being under the influence of alcohol, "nüchtern" can also describe a person's demeanor or outlook. In this sense, it implies a practical, realistic, and unsentimental approach to things, often contrasted with a more emotional or idealistic perspective. Someone described as nüchtern in their thinking is seen as being grounded and focused on facts.

The adjective can also apply to objects or situations. A nüchtern environment might be described as plain, functional, and lacking in ornamentation. Similarly, a nüchtern account of events would be a factual and objective reporting without embellishment. This extension of meaning highlights a core sense of simplicity and directness inherent in the word.