The Carpathian newt grows to a total length of about 10 cm (4 in), females in general being larger than males.

In the breeding season, males have a slight crest on the tail and a filament on the tip, but only a slightly-raised ridge along the back.

[1] Where their ranges overlap, it often hybridises with the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), the offspring being intermediate in appearance between the two species.

[1] The Carpathian newt often lives near the places where it breeds, hiding under fallen trees, rocks and loose bark.

The chosen sites are ponds, pools, ditches, water-filled wheel ruts, marshes and the edges of lakes.