begeistert
/bəˈɡaɪ̯stɐt/
The English word ecstatic is translated into German as begeistert.
begeistert is used to describe being extremely happy. While it is a valid translation for ecstatic, in a natural German context, it most often conveys being enthusiastic or very excited about something.
Meaning: extremely happy (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word begeistert is derived from the verb begeistern, which means to inspire or enchant.
Which one should you use?
Although begeistert can mean ecstatic, its most common and natural sense in German is 'enthusiastic' or 'very excited'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an attributive adjective before a noun, begeistert takes adjective endings, such as begeisterte for feminine or plural nouns. To express what someone is ecstatic about, use the preposition von followed by the dative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈɡaɪ̯stɐt/
Did you know?
- While begeistert describes being ecstatic, Germans often use the phrase aus dem Häuschen sein, which literally means 'to be out of one's little house'.
- The word begeistert literally means to be 'filled with spirit' or 'possessed by a ghost' because it comes from Geist, meaning 'spirit'.
- The word Geist in begeistert is a cognate with the English word 'ghost', though the German meaning is much broader.
Examples in context
- Tom ist begeistert.Tom is ecstatic.This sentence is useful for showing how to use begeistert to describe a person's state.Tatoeba #3222081 by freddy1, translation #2236675 by CK
- Ich bin überaus glücklich, dass ich die Prüfung bestanden habe.I am ecstatic that I passed the exam.
- Sie war total aus dem Häuschen, als sie die Überraschungsparty sah.She was ecstatic when she saw the surprise party.
- Wir waren völlig begeistert von dem Konzert.We were completely thrilled with the concert.
- Ich bin absolut begeistert von dem neuen Film.I am absolutely ecstatic about the new movie.
- Sie war von der Überraschung sehr begeistert.She was very ecstatic about the surprise.
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are discussing a concert they recently attended.
- FelixWarst du gestern auf dem Konzert?Were you at the concert yesterday?
- HannahJa, ich war total begeistert!Yes, I was totally ecstatic!
- FelixDas freut mich, dass es dir gefallen hat.I'm glad you enjoyed it.
- HannahEs war wirklich ein tolles Erlebnis.It was truly a great experience.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry begeistert, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries begeistert, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
