genug
/ɡəˈnuːk/
The German word for enough is genug.
genug is used to express that a quantity or degree is sufficient. It can function as a determiner to indicate a sufficient amount of something, as an adverb meaning sufficiently or as a pronoun to refer to a sufficient number or amount.
Meaning: sufficient (det)
Which one should you use?
While genug is the standard way to say enough, you may encounter Ausreichend in specific contexts. Ausreichend specifically means sufficient or adequate.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using genug as an adverb to modify an adjective, the word genug follows the adjective in the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈnuːk/
Did you know?
- In German schools, ausreichend is a formal grade that translates to 'sufficient'. It is the lowest passing grade, typically equivalent to a 'D' in the American system.
- Even though the English word 'enough' and the German genug look different today, they are actually distant cousins sharing the same prehistoric root.
- While genug expresses quantity, the phrase genug davon is often used as a sharp command to tell someone to stop a behavior, similar to saying 'that is quite enough' in English.
Examples in context
- Er hat genug Zeit.He's got enough time.This sentence shows how to use genug to indicate a sufficient amount of time.Tatoeba #4781431 by Tamy, translation #8962759 by sundown
- Ist das gut genug?Is that good enough?This sentence demonstrates using genug to ask if a degree of something is sufficient.Tatoeba #12407513 by Waldelfe, translation #4494911 by CK
- Hast du genug Geld?Do you have enough money?This sentence shows how to use genug to ask about a sufficient amount of money.Tatoeba #1126616 by Esperantostern, translation #1096509 by CK
- Das ist genugThat is enough
- Die Menge ist ausreichendThe quantity is sufficient
- Das reicht ausThat's enough
- Ich habe es sattI've had enough
- Es reichtIt's enough
- 1417 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are checking the supplies for a picnic.
- SarahHaben wir genug Getränke?Do we have enough drinks?
- FelixJa, wir haben genug.Yes, we have enough.
- SarahUnd Felix, hast du genug Wasser dabei?And Felix, do you have enough water with you?
- FelixJa, ich habe genug mitgenommen.Yes, I took enough with me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enough” translations and entries genug, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genug, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
