absolut atemberaubend
/ap.zoˈluːt ˈaːtəmbəˌʁaʊ̯bn̩t/word by word
The English phrase "absolutely stunning" can be translated into German as absolut atemberaubend.
The phrase is used to describe something that is extremely beautiful or impressive to the point of taking one's breath away. You can also say einfach atemberaubend to express the similar sense of "simply stunning".
What does it mean word for word?
The word atemberaubend is a compound consisting of Atem (breath) and raubend (robbing or taking), meaning "breath-robbing" literally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Berlin, people may opt for the word geil to express that something is stunning.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb modifying an adjective, absolut does not take an -e ending, even if the adjective it modifies is feminine or plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ap.zoˈluːt ˈaːtəmbəˌʁaʊ̯bn̩t/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While 'atemberaubend' is poetic, a person in Berlin might use the word geil to describe something stunning. Although often translated as 'cool' or 'horny', in many urban contexts it simply means 'awesome' or 'amazing'.
- While atemberaubend describes beauty, the root verb berauben is most commonly used in legal contexts to mean 'robbing' someone of their possessions.
- The word absolut shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the Latin verb 'solvō', which means 'to loosen' or 'to release'. This links the concept of 'absolute' to the idea of something being 'unbound' or 'set free'.
Examples in context
- Die Landschaft auf dieser Seite des Sees ist einfach absolut atemberaubend.The scenery on this side of the lake is simply absolutely stunning.
- Die Architektur dieses alten Schlosses ist überwältigend schön.The architecture of this old castle is absolutely stunning.
- Der Sonnenuntergang am Strand war echt hammer!The sunset at the beach was absolutely stunning!
- Das Konzert gestern Abend war wahnsinnig schön!The concert last night was absolutely stunning!
- Die Aussicht ist absolut atemberaubend.The view is absolutely stunning.
- Dein Kleid sieht absolut atemberaubend aus.Your dress looks absolutely stunning.
- Das Konzert war absolut atemberaubend.The concert was absolutely stunning.
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are looking at a beautiful mountain range from a balcony.
- FelixSchau dir diese Berge an, Hannah!Look at these mountains, Hannah!
- HannahJa, sie sind absolut atemberaubend.Yes, they are absolutely stunning.
- FelixIch bin sprachlos vor Freude.I am speechless with joy.
- HannahMir geht es genauso, Felix.I feel the same way, Felix.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (absolut, atemberaubend) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries absolut, atemberaubend, CC BY-SA 4.0.
