enorm
/eˈnɔʁm/
The English phrase 'enormous' is translated into German as enorm.
enorm is used to describe something that is extremely large. Beyond describing size or scale, it is also frequently used to mean 'extremely' or 'vastly' when it modifies verbs or adjectives.
Meaning: extremely large (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to modify a noun, the word takes various endings, such as enormen, depending on the gender, case and number of that noun. However, when used as an adverb to mean 'enormously' or 'extremely', the form remains enorm.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈnɔʁm/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Norm is used to describe a standard or rule. The root of enorm literally suggests something that exists 'outside' the normal standard.
- While enorm describes size, German speakers often use the word riesig to describe something 'huge'. This comes from Riese, the German word for 'giant'.
- Although enorm sounds like the English 'enormous', it is actually a French loanword that entered the German language via the Latin 'enormis'.
Examples in context
- Er hat enormes Potential.He has enormous potential.This sentence shows how to use enorm to describe potential.Tatoeba #910485 by Sudajaengi, translation #4091839 by andymakespasta
- Sie geht ein enormes Risiko ein.She is taking an enormous risk.This sentence demonstrates the use of enorm with a risk.Tatoeba #10108970 by sakslane, translation #12022883 by mayabe
- Das wird Algerien enorm beeinflussen.This will have enormous implications for Algeria.This sentence illustrates how enorm can modify a verb to show impact.Tatoeba #8560901 by Yorwba, translation #8560349 by Amastan
- Der neue Wolkenkratzer ist riesig!The new skyscraper is enormous!
- Das Feuerwerk war kolossal – so etwas habe ich noch nie gesehen!The fireworks were enormous – I have never seen anything like it!
- Wow, das Auto ist echt riesig!Wow, that car is really enormous!
- Der Kuchen ist wahnsinnig groß – wir werden ihn niemals alleine schaffen!The cake is insanely huge – we'll never finish it on our own!
- Die riesige BananeThe enormous banana
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing a new project at work.
- LukasDer Druck auf uns ist enorm.The pressure on us is enormous.
- LauraStimmt, das Projekt ist sehr groß.True, the project is very big.
- LukasWir müssen schnell arbeiten.We have to work fast.
- LauraKeine Sorge, Lukas, wir schaffen das.Don't worry, Lukas, we can do this.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enormous” translations and entries enorm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enorm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
