tückisch

Tückisch is a German adjective that describes something as treacherous, cunning, insidious, or malicious. It conveys a sense of hidden danger or a deceptive quality that can lead to harm or misfortune. The word often implies an element of surprise or unexpectedness in the negative consequences.

The term can be applied to various situations and entities. For example, a road might be described as tückisch if it appears safe but has hidden hazards like black ice or sharp turns. Similarly, a person's behavior can be tückisch if they act deceptively or with ill intent, masking their true motives. An illness can also be tückisch if its symptoms are mild at first but develop into a serious condition.

In a broader sense, tückisch can refer to something that is tricky or difficult to handle due to its subtle or deceptive nature. It highlights a quality that requires vigilance and caution because it is not immediately obvious or straightforward. The core idea is that what appears innocent or benign may harbor something harmful or detrimental.