German Phrase
Es ist bewölkt, aber trocken.
Meaning
The sentence describes the weather: the sky is covered with clouds, yet there is no rain and the ground stays dry. It contrasts two weather conditions using the conjunction 'aber' (but).
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about the current weather, especially when you want to highlight that despite the clouds, there is no precipitation. It works in casual conversation, weather reports, or when planning outdoor activities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esistbewölkt,abertrocken.
Dummy subject 'Es'
German often uses the impersonal 'es' as the subject for weather statements.
Verb 'sein' (to be)
The verb 'ist' is the third‑person singular present form of 'sein', linking the subject with adjectives.
Adjectives as predicates
When adjectives follow 'sein', they stay in their base form (bewölkt, trocken) without endings.
Conjunction 'aber'
Used to contrast two statements; it functions like 'but' in English.
🗨In Conversation
Wie ist das Wetter heute?
How's the weather today?
Es ist bewölkt, aber trocken.
It is cloudy, but dry.
✕Common Mistakes
Es ist bewält, aber trocken.
The correct word is 'bewölkt' (cloudy). 'Bewält' does not exist in this context.
Es ist bewölkt, aber trockenes.
Use the adjective 'trocken' (dry) without the ending '-es' after 'ist'.
Es ist bewölkt, aber jedoch trocken.
Do not use two contrasting conjunctions together; choose either 'aber' or 'jedoch'.
↔Alternatives
Der Himmel ist bedeckt, aber es bleibt trocken.
The sky is overcast, but it stays dry.
Es ist wolkig, jedoch trocken.
It is cloudy, however dry.
Bewölkt, aber ohne Regen.
Cloudy, but without rain.
Cultural Tip
In German, weather talk is a common ice‑breaker. Using 'aber' to contrast two aspects shows a natural, conversational tone. Native speakers often add a comment about how the weather feels, e.g., 'Es ist kühl' (It's cool) or 'Perfekt für einen Spaziergang' (Perfect for a walk).