ziemlich gut
/ˈtsiːmlɪç ɡuːt/word by word
The German phrase for "pretty good" is ziemlich gut.
ziemlich gut is used to describe something that is of a high standard or satisfactory quality.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ziemlich literally means "quite", "considerably" or "fairly" in this context.
Which one should you use?
ziemlich gut is generally perceived as slightly less intense than sehr gut, which means "very good".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an attributive adjective before a noun, ziemlich gut must take the appropriate adjective endings, such as ziemlich gute.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsiːmlɪç ɡuːt/
Did you know?
- Even though ziemlich gut is positive, using it too often can actually sound like a lack of enthusiasm in a professional German setting.
- While English speakers use 'pretty' to mean 'fairly', the German ziemlich originates from an Old High German word meaning 'befitting' or 'appropriate'.
- In German culture, a grade of gut on a school report is a high achievement, but sehr gut is the only grade that represents perfection.
Examples in context
- Es war ziemlich gut.It was pretty good.This sentence shows how to use ziemlich gut to describe a past event.Tatoeba #10086242 by wolfgangth, translation #3374761 by CK
- Es ist ziemlich gut.It's pretty good.This sentence shows how to use ziemlich gut to describe a current state.Tatoeba #10132607 by wolfgangth, translation #36521 by CK
- Tom ist ziemlich gut.Tom is pretty good.This sentence shows how to use ziemlich gut to describe a person.Tatoeba #3630589 by Zaghawa, translation #2273357 by CK
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing a film they just watched.
- MaximilianWie fandest du den Film?How did you find the film?
- SarahEr war ziemlich gut.It was pretty good.
- MaximilianDas freut mich.I am glad to hear that.
- SarahJa, die Handlung war ziemlich gut.Yes, the plot was pretty good.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ziemlich, gut) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gut, ziemlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
