adjective
steep
B1
Steil means steep or sharply inclined. It's a gradable adjective: comparative 'steiler', superlative 'am steilsten'. Common antonym: 'flach'. Used for slopes, roofs, learning curves. Not a participle. Standard declension applies like other adjectives; no irregular forms noted. Can modify nouns directly: eine steile Straße.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Die Straße war so steil, dass der Radfahrer absteigen musste, weil die Bremsen nicht richtig funktionierten.
The road was so steep that the cyclist had to dismount because the brakes were not working properly.
Die Straße ist sehr steil, also fahre langsam.
The road is very steep, so drive slowly.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture a steep (steil) cliff face rising sharply
think 'steal' but imagine someone climbing up a steep hill — not stealing
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Steil is gradable (steil, steiler, am steilsten). Often used for slopes, roofs, and learning curves (figurative use).