schlicht

Schlicht is a German adjective meaning plain, simple, or unadorned. It can describe objects, clothing, or concepts in a way that emphasizes restraint and lack of ornament. In contemporary usage, schlicht often carries a positive nuance of tasteful simplicity, contrasting with elaborate or flashy styles. The word can also appear in phrases such as schlichte Farben, schlichte Kleidung, or die schlichte Wahrheit.

Grammatically, schlicht follows the usual rules for German adjectives. After a definite article, the endings are der schlichte Mann, die schlichte Frau, das schlichte Kind, and die schlichten Dinge in plural. After an indefinite article, the endings change accordingly: ein schlichter Mann, eine schlichte Frau, ein schlichtes Kind. In compounds and with adverbial use, schicht is flexible: schlichte Formen describe understated design, while schlichten Kleider would be the plural or mixed ending depending on the noun.

Related terms and nuances include schlichtweg, an adverb meaning plainly or outright, as in schlichtweg falsch. The noun form Schlichtung refers to settlement or arbitration, deriving from the same root and indicating the act of resolving a dispute in a plain or straightforward manner. The word shares its core sense of simplicity with synonyms such as einfach, schlicht, and zurückhaltend; however, schlicht emphasizes restraint and minimal ornament rather than ease or naivety alone.

In onomastics, Schlicht can appear as a surname in German-speaking regions. It survives as a contemporary descriptor in styles that favor minimalism, and remains common in everyday language to characterize attire, design, or explanations that aim for unpretentious clarity.