adjective
dark, dim
A2
Dunkel means 'dark' or 'dim' in German. It’s a gradable adjective (comparative: dunkler; superlative: am dunkelsten) opposite 'hell'. Used for light levels or mood. No special preposition or reflexive use. Regular adjective inflection applies in attributive and predicative positions. Commonly.
Examples
Bevor die Straßenlaternen repariert worden waren, wurde es auf dem Gehweg dunkel, sodass die Anwohner vorsichtiger gingen.
Before the streetlights had been repaired, it became dark on the pavement, so the residents walked more cautiously.
Bei dem dämmernden Licht wirkte der Gang nur noch dunkel und schmal.
In the dimming light the corridor looked narrow and dim.
Das Zimmer ist sehr dunkel, kannst du das Licht anmachen?
The room is very dark — can you turn on the light?
Details
Mnemonics
visualize a room gradually shaded from light to dark (dunkel)
sounds like 'dunk' — imagine a dark room and something being dunked into shadow
not a noun — no gender anchor needed
Notes
Can function attributively (ein dunkles Zimmer) or predicatively (es ist dunkel).