gruff

barsch (adj); rau (adj)

Word details

German meaning
Grob, ungehobelt und ungeschliffen im Verhalten.
English meaning
gruff, rough
Synonym
grob, ungeschliffen
German example
Er war ein raubeiniger Kerl mit einem guten Herzen.
English example
He was a gruff guy with a good heart.
Comparative
raubeinigerSuperlative: am raubeinigsten

Example sentences with “gruff”

  1. He has a gruff voice. (Er hat eine raue Stimme.)

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'barsch' vs 'rau'?

'Barsch' refers to a rude/abrupt manner; 'rau' refers to a physical texture or sound.