genau
/ɡəˈnaʊ̯/
In German, exactly is said as genau.
The word genau is an adverb meaning in an exact manner. To say 'exactly like that' or 'just like that', you use the phrase genau so.
Meaning: in an exact manner (adv)
Which one should you use?
While genau is the most common word for 'exactly', exakt is a more formal synonym often used in technical, mathematical or scientific contexts. If you want to signify agreement or recognition, you might say ganz genau.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈnaʊ̯/
When do people say it?
In spoken German, saying just Genau! is a very common way to express strong agreement with what someone has just said.
Did you know?
- The word genau is a distant relative of the English word 'niggardly'. Both come from the same Proto-Germanic root meaning 'narrow' or 'scant'.
- In some German dialects, genau can be used as a sarcastic response to imply that someone is being pedantic or overly detailed.
- Using genau too frequently in a professional meeting can sometimes be perceived as overly agreeable or lacking in critical thought.
Examples in context
- Genau das ist es.That's exactly it.This example shows how to use genau to emphasize a specific subject.Tatoeba #10350784 by manese, translation #5377052 by CK
- Wo lebst du genau?Where do you live, exactly?This example uses genau to ask for a precise location.Tatoeba #2046009 by Sirio60, translation #2768012 by sundown
- Wo genau sind wir?Where are we exactly?Tatoeba #5268154 by Sudajaengi, translation #2646724 by CK
- Genau! Das ist eine gute Idee.Exactly! That is a good idea.
- Das ist genau das, was ich gesucht habe.That is exactly what I was looking for.
- Er hat genau das Richtige gesagt.He said exactly the right thing.
- Ich bin mir gewiss, dass wir die genaue Lösung finden werden.I am certain that we will find the exact solution.
- Ja, genau richtig!Yes, exactly right!
- Stimmt genau!Exactly right!
- Das stimmt vollkommen.That's absolutely correct.
- Ich möchte genau das Buch lesen.I want to read exactly that book.
- Das ist genau das, was ich wollte.That is exactly what I wanted.
- Genau das meine ich auch!Exactly, that's what I mean too!
- 622 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are discussing a meeting time.
- MaximilianWir treffen uns um acht Uhr.We are meeting at eight o'clock.
- JuliaMeinst du genau acht Uhr?Do you mean exactly eight o'clock?
- MaximilianJa, bitte sei pünktlich.Yes, please be on time.
- JuliaAlles klar, ich bin da.All right, I will be there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exactly” translations and entries genau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
