absurd
/apˈzʊʁt/
The English phrase 'preposterous' can be translated into German as absurd.
The term absurd is used to describe something that is absurd or contrary to common sense. In German, it is typically used to describe something that is logically inconsistent, whereas the English word 'preposterous' often carries a stronger tone of indignation or mockery.
Meaning: absurd, or contrary to common sense (adj)
Which one should you use?
While absurd is the direct translation, there are other options depending on the tone you wish to convey. If you want to express that something is outrageous or monstrous, you can use the formal term ungeheuerlich. If you are speaking informally and want to describe something as crazy, mad or preposterous, you can use Verrückt.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective absurd changes its ending based on the noun it describes. It takes the ending -e when used before a feminine or plural noun, such as eine absurde Idee (an absurd idea). It takes the ending -en in many inflected cases, such as the masculine accusative einen absurden Gedanken (an absurd thought).
How do you pronounce it?
/apˈzʊʁt/
Did you know?
- The German word absurd follows the exact same Latin root as the English 'absurd', which comes from 'surdus' meaning 'deaf' or 'inarticulate'.
- The informal word for crazy or preposterous, verrückt, literally translates to 'shifted' or 'displaced'. This suggests the person's mind has physically moved out of its proper place.
- To describe something as preposterous in a social context, Germans use the phrase völlig daneben. It literally means the person or idea is 'completely beside it' or off the mark.
Examples in context
- Es ist völlig absurd, so etwas zu glauben.It is utterly preposterous to believe something like that.
- Sein Verhalten war schlichtweg ungeheuerlich.His behavior was simply preposterous.
- Das ist doch völlig verrückt!That is completely preposterous!
- Das ist absolut wahnsinnig!That's absolutely preposterous!
- Das ist absolut absurd.That is absolutely absurd.
- Deine Idee ist völlig absurd.Your idea is completely absurd.
- Es wäre absurd, jetzt zu gehen.It would be absurd to leave now.
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are discussing a strange news report.
- FelixHast du das gelesen, Sarah?Did you read that, Sarah?
- SarahJa, aber die Geschichte ist absurd.Yes, but the story is absurd.
- FelixIch finde sie auch total absurd.I find it totally absurd too.
- SarahMan kann es kaum glauben.One can hardly believe it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry absurd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries absurd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
