perfekt
/pɛɐ̯ˈfɛkt/
The English word "perfect" can be translated into German as perfekt.
The adjective describes something that is excellent and delightful in all respects.
Meaning: excellent and delightful in all respects (adj)
Which one should you use?
While perfekt is an adjective used to describe things, it is also the name of the 'present perfect' tense in German grammar (das Perfekt).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hochdeutsch, the word tadellos is used to mean 'flawless' or 'impeccable'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an attributive adjective before a feminine or plural noun, the word takes the ending -e, such as in eine perfekte Idee (a perfect idea). When used with a definite article before a masculine singular noun in the accusative case, the word takes the ending -en, such as in den perfekten Moment (the perfect moment).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛɐ̯ˈfɛkt/
Did you know?
- In German grammar, das Perfekt is used in spoken conversation to describe almost all past events, even those that English speakers would only use the simple past for.
- In German, describing a person as perfekt can sometimes sound unnaturally idealistic or even suspicious, whereas in English, calling someone 'perfect' is a common romantic compliment.
- The word perfekt is borrowed from the Latin perfectus, which originally meant 'finished' or 'complete' rather than just 'flawless'.
Examples in context
- Das ist so perfekt.That's so perfect.This sentence shows how to use perfekt to emphasize a situation.Tatoeba #10244946 by wolfgangth, translation #2257402 by CK
- Es ist fast perfekt.It's almost perfect.This sentence demonstrates using perfekt with the word 'almost'.Tatoeba #8866039 by wolfgangth, translation #5469755 by CK
- Er ist nicht perfekt.He's not perfect.This sentence shows how to use perfekt in a negative context regarding a person.Tatoeba #2200537 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2199460 by Hybrid
- Das Essen ist absolut perfekt.The food is absolutely perfect.
- 244 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are enjoying a delicious meal at a restaurant.
- JulianDas Essen schmeckt einfach perfekt.The food tastes simply perfect.
- SarahJa, der Wein passt auch perfekt dazu.Yes, the wine also goes perfectly with it.
- JulianEin perfekter Abend, findest du nicht?A perfect evening, don't you think?
- SarahAbsolut, es ist alles perfekt.Absolutely, everything is perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perfekt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perfekt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
