What does it mean word for word?
ausgezeichnet is the past participle of the verb auszeichnen, which means to distinguish or to mark out. Literally, it implies that something has been set apart by its quality.
Which one should you use?
While ausgezeichnet implies a high level of distinction or formal quality, the word toll is a more common, colloquial way to say that something is great or terrific.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ausgezeichnet, Hervorragend and Vorzüglich are all used in formal contexts to mean excellent. In informal situations, you might use Genial to mean excellent or Klasse to mean great or classy. In casual conversation, Germans also frequently use klasse or super to express that something is excellent.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an attributive adjective before a feminine or plural noun, the word takes an adjective ending, such as ausgezeichnete Leistung (excellent achievement).
Did you know?
- The word toll originally meant 'crazy' or 'insane' in older German. Over time, it shifted from meaning 'mad' to meaning 'wildly exciting' and finally 'excellent'.
- In a formal German grade system, the highest possible mark is sehr gut, which translates to 'very good'. A student rarely receives the word ausgezeichnet as a literal grade on a report card.
- Using genial to mean 'excellent' is a common shift in German that differs from the English 'genial', which means friendly. In German, it refers to the 'genius' level of a work or idea.
Examples in context
- Das Spiel war ausgezeichnet.The game was excellent.This sentence is useful for describing an excellent game using ausgezeichnet.Tatoeba #1493715 by Esperantostern, translation #47293 by orcrist
- Toms Rede war ausgezeichnet.Tom's speech was excellent.This sentence is useful for describing an excellent speech using ausgezeichnet.Tatoeba #1812859 by Tamy, translation #37358 by CK
- Das Essen ist ausgezeichnet.The food is excellent.This sentence is useful for describing excellent food using ausgezeichnet.Tatoeba #8642977 by Melang, translation #8641309 by CarpeLanam
- Dein Auftritt gestern war echt klasse!Your performance yesterday was truly excellent!
- Ihre Anstrengungen sind vorzüglich und sollten anerkannt werden.Your efforts are excellent and should be acknowledged.
- Die Qualität Ihrer Produkte ist hervorragend.The quality of your products is excellent.
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are discussing a book they both read.
- JulianHast du das neue Buch gelesen?Did you read the new book?
- JuliaJa, ich fand die Geschichte ausgezeichnet.Yes, I thought the story was excellent.
- JulianIch stimme dir voll und ganz zu.I completely agree with you.
- JuliaEs ist wirklich ein ausgezeichnetes Werk.It really is an excellent work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excellent” translations and entries ausgezeichnet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
