stimmt genau
The German phrase for "so true" is stimmt genau.
This phrase is used as an expression to show strong agreement with a statement that someone else has made.
Which one should you use?
While stimmt genau means "That's exactly right!", other options allow for different nuances of agreement. You can use Genau! for "Exactly!", Ganz genau! for "Spot on!", Absolut! for "Absolutely!", Definitiv! for "Definitely!" or Tatsächlich! and In der Tat! for "Indeed!"
Did you know?
- The word stimmt comes from the verb stimmen, which also refers to tuning a musical instrument to the correct pitch.
- The word genau is so ubiquitous in German that it is often used as a 'filler word' to show active listening, even when the speaker isn't fully agreeing with the content.
- The adjective genau shares an ancient root with the Old English word hnēaw, which describes someone being 'niggardly' or 'stingy'.
Examples in context
- Das stimmt genau.That is exactly right.
- Stimmt genau, das ist nervig.So true, that is annoying.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a difficult task at work.
- SarahDieser Job ist heute echt anstrengend.This job is really exhausting today.
- FelixStimmt genau, ich bin auch müde.So true, I am tired too.
- SarahWir brauchen dringend Urlaub.We urgently need a vacation.
- FelixDas kann ich dir sagen!You can say that again!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
