peinlicher

Peinlicher is the comparative form of the German adjective peinlich, used to describe something that causes more embarrassment, awkwardness, or is more shameful than another thing. The base meaning of peinlich covers social discomfort, awkward situations, or morally disagreeable aspects. As an adjective, peinlich is declined according to gender, number, and case, and its comparative form is peinlicher, with the superlative am peinlichsten.

Usage and examples: peinlich often refers to social awkwardness, but can also describe morally questionable or regrettable behavior. Examples include: ein peinlicher Fehler (an embarrassing mistake), eine peinliche Stille (an awkward silence), and ein peinlicher Moment (an embarrassing moment). In sentences: Das war peinlich. Das war peinlicher als erwartet. Der Politiker machte eine peinliche falsche Aussage. When used with nouns, the adjective is declined: ein peinlicher Vorfall, eine peinliche Frage, zwei peinliche Situationen. The expression peinlich berührt describes a person who feels embarrassed.

Etymology and nuance: peinlich derives from the German noun Pein (pain, suffering), historically linking embarrassment with discomfort or shame. The term carries a strong negative nuance and is common in everyday language, yet still suitable in many forms of writing. It can express immediate embarrassment in a situation or a broader sense of disgrace.

Related forms: the noun Peinlichkeit means embarrassment or awkwardness, as in Die Peinlichkeit der Situation. Related adjectives include beschämend or unange­nehmlich, which convey similar, though not identical, shades of meaning. The adverbial use of peinlich is identical to the adjective form in many contexts (es ist peinlich).