Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| außergewöhnlich | /ˈaʊ̯.sɐ.ɡəˌvøːn.lɪç/ |
| Wahnsinns- |
In German, the adjective außergewöhnlich is used to describe something as extraordinary. If you are referring to a grand narrative scale or an extended narrative poem, the noun Epos is used. The term Epopöe can also refer to events appropriate to an epic.
Which one should you use?
außergewöhnlich is a neutral to positive term used for something extraordinary. In contrast, Wahnsinns- is a more hyperbolic and informal way to express that something is extraordinary or incredible.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Wahnsinns- is a colloquial prefix used to create hyperbolic adjectives, such as Wahnsinnsleistung. In informal contexts, you might also encounter the words Geil (meaning awesome or cool) or Mega (meaning mega).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, außergewöhnlich is indeclinable when used as an adverb, but it takes adjective endings when it precedes a noun, such as in eine außergewöhnliche Leistung.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaʊ̯.sɐ.ɡəˌvøːn.lɪç/ (5 syllables, stress on the 1st syllable)
Did you know?
- In German, the word geil is a common slang term for 'awesome' or 'epic', but be careful. Historically, it meant 'horny' or 'lustful', and while it is widely used by young people for anything great, some older generations still find it slightly vulgar.
- The prefix Wahnsinns- comes from the word Wahnsinn, which literally translates to 'madness' or 'insanity'. Using it as a prefix turns a concept of mental illness into a hyperbolic intensifier for positive experiences.
- The word außergewöhnlich is a literal construction meaning 'outside of the usual'. It combines außer, meaning 'outside', with gewöhnlich, meaning 'usual'.
Examples in context
- Ein mega Tor!A mega goal!
- Das ist ein außergewöhnlich gutes Essen.That is an extraordinarily good meal.
- Sie hat eine außergewöhnliche Stimme.She has an extraordinary voice.
- Der Ausblick von hier ist außergewöhnlich.The view from here is extraordinary.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are standing on a mountain peak.
- JulianSchau dir diese Aussicht an!Look at this view!
- LauraJa, das ist wirklich außergewöhnlich.Yes, that is truly extraordinary.
- JulianIch bin so froh, dass wir hier sind.I am so glad we are here.
- LauraDas war eine großartige Wanderung.That was a great hike.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “epic” translations and entries außergewöhnlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries außergewöhnlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
