finster

German

Etymology

From Middle High German vinster, from Old High German finstar, from Proto-Germanic *finistraz, alteration (with the dental and labial articulations switching their positions) of Proto-Germanic *þimistraz. From the þ-form also Old High German thinstar (Middle High German dinster), Old Dutch *thimister (Dutch deemster); from the f-form Old Dutch finistre, Old Saxon finistar. Related with German dämmern. Perhaps also related with Proto-Germanic *þiustrijaz, whence German düster, duster.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfɪnstɐ/

• Audio:

  (file)

Adjective

finster (comparative finsterer, superlative am finstersten)

1. dark
2. gloomy, lowering

Synonyms

• dunkel
• düster

Related terms

• Finsternis
• Finsterling
• verfinstern
• Finsterspinne

Further reading

• “finster” in Duden online