Etymology Explorer › German

Where does “deftig” come from?

deftig (German) comes from Dutch deftig, from English deft, from Middle English defte, from Old English dæfte, from Proto-West Germanic daftī, from Proto-Germanic dabaną, from Proto-Indo-European dʰabʰ- — appropriate, good, fitting.

deftig (German): firm, rough, coarse; substantial, hearty, rustic;...

Definitions

  1. firm, rough, coarse; substantial, hearty, rustic;...

Ancestry of “deftig”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Dutchdeftigstylish, distinguished, genteel; pompous
2EnglishdeftQuick and neat in action; skillful
3Middle EnglishdefteMild, polite, respectful, modest; Unexciting,...
4Old Englishdæfteaccommodating; meek; mild; gentle
5Proto-West Germanicdaftīfitting, suitable
6Proto-Germanicdabanąto come to pass, occur, happen; to fit, be...
7Proto-Indo-Europeandʰabʰ-appropriate, good, fitting
Every word from Proto-Indo-European dʰabʰ- →