gut gemacht
The English phrase "good job" is translated into German as gut gemacht.
While it is a literal translation of "good job", the phrase is most commonly used as an exclamation, Gut gemacht!, to mean "Well done!" when praising someone's performance.
Meaning: a phrase used to praise for a good job or efforts (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gut (well or good) and gemacht (done or made).
Which one should you use?
In German, gut gemacht focuses on the quality of the action performed, whereas the English "good job" can sometimes refer to the task itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the past participle gemacht to describe a completed action.
Did you know?
- While gut gemacht is common, Germans often use the word sauber (meaning 'clean') to praise a particularly precise or skillful 'good job'.
- Despite the literal translation, saying gut gemacht to a superior in a strict corporate hierarchy can sometimes be seen as overly patronizing.
- The word gut shares an ancient root with the English word 'good', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root *gʰedʰ- meaning 'to unite' or 'to suit'.
Examples in context
- Das hast du gut gemacht.You did a good job.Tatoeba #824441 by Espi, translation #707269 by CM
- Das hast du wirklich gut gemacht!You really did a good job.Tatoeba #6472808 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #322181 by CK
- Ich dachte, wir hätten das gut gemacht.I thought we did a good job.Tatoeba #5246406 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5245746 by CK
- Gut gemacht, Anna! Deine Präsentation war wirklich hervorragend.Well done, Anna! Your presentation was truly excellent.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is praising Sarah for her presentation.
- MaximilianGut gemacht, Sarah!Good job, Sarah!
- SarahDanke, Maximilian!Thank you, Maximilian!
- MaximilianDie Präsentation war wirklich toll.The presentation was really great.
- SarahDas freut mich zu hören.I am glad to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
