Ich bin erstaunt
The English phrase "I am amazed" is expressed in German as Ich bin erstaunt.
Ich bin erstaunt is used to express surprise or astonishment. If you want to describe something as amazing rather than expressing your own feeling, you would use the adjective erstaunlich.
Which one should you use?
While Ich bin erstaunt expresses surprise or astonishment, you might use different forms depending on the nuance: • Ich bin begeistert is used when the amazement is positive and implies enthusiasm or being thrilled. • Ich bin verblüfft is a stronger form of amazement than Ich bin erstaunt, often implying a sense of being taken aback or stunned by something unexpected.
Did you know?
- The German word begeistert for positive amazement is related to the word Geist, meaning 'spirit' or 'ghost', implying the person is literally 'possessed by a spirit' of enthusiasm.
- In casual speech, a German speaker might replace Ich bin erstaunt with Wahnsinn, which literally translates to 'madness' but is used as a common exclamation of amazement.
- The word erstaunt shares a root with the verb staunen, which historically related to the act of standing still in awe, similar to being 'struck' by a sight.
Examples in context
- Boah, das haut mich um! So fantastisch!Wow, that blows me away! It's so fantastic!
- Ich bin erstaunt über dein Talent.I am amazed by your talent.
- Ich bin erstaunt, wie schnell die Zeit vergeht.I am amazed at how fast time passes.
- Ich bin erstaunt über diese Nachricht.I am amazed by this news.
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are discussing a beautiful piece of art.
- JuliaDieses Gemälde ist wunderschön.This painting is beautiful.
- MaximilianIch bin erstaunt, wie detailreich es ist.I am amazed at how detailed it is.
- JuliaJa, der Künstler war wirklich begabt.Yes, the artist was truly gifted.
- MaximilianDas stimmt, Julia.That's true, Julia.
