German Word · Intermediate
Firnis
A metaphorical shallow layer meant to cover up disagreeable qualities
Pronunciation: /ˈfɪʁnɪs/
Meaning
A metaphorical shallow layer meant to cover up disagreeable qualities.
Example
Die Bildlichtphänomene der modernen Malerei kommen nur dann voll zur Geltung, wenn die Gemäde gut erhalten, nicht nachgedunkelt und frei von gilblichem Firnis sind ("Galerieton").
The lighting phenomena of modern painting are only fully effective if the painting is well-preserved, not darkened after the fact
Practice tips
- Practice Firnis out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this German word is for intermediate-level learners.