unartig

Unartig is a German adjective meaning naughty or mischievous. It describes behavior that deviates from expected propriety, typically in a light, joking, or affectionate way when referring to children or playful acts. The term sits opposite artig, which means well-behaved or proper, and it can carry varying degrees of disapproval depending on context.

Morphology and usage: Like other German adjectives, unartig inflects with gender, number, and case in attributive position (for example: ein unartiger Junge, eine unartige Tat) and can describe a subject in predicative use (er war unartig). It can also describe behaviors or actions, such as unartiges Verhalten or unartige Streiche. In everyday speech it often signals mild reproach tempered by familiarity or affection, rather than harsh condemnation.

Nuance and context: The word commonly appears in family conversation, children’s literature, and media with a playful or cheeky tone. It is generally softer than stronger terms for misbehavior and may imply a sense of charm or endearment alongside the fault. The exact connotation depends on tone, setting, and the relationship between speaker and listener.

In culture and branding: Outside ordinary speech, unartig can be used as a stylistic label to evoke rebellious charm or playful defiance, such as in product names, advertising, or artistic works. In such uses, it signals mischief rather than serious misconduct.

See also: German adjectives, artig, discipline and behavior in German.