klingt gut
In German, "sounds good" is translated as klingt gut.
The phrase is an expression used to show agreement with a suggestion or a plan. It can also be used to describe the actual acoustic quality of a sound, such as a musical note, depending on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the third-person singular form of klingen (to sound) and the adverb gut (good).
Which one should you use?
While klingt gut is used for ideas or suggestions, it is also used to describe the literal acoustic perception of a sound, such as a person's voice or an instrument, through a change in context. Another common alternative is Hört sich gut an, which utilizes the separable verb anhören.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because klingt is the third-person singular, you must use this form when the subject is a singular noun or idea, such as Das klingt gut (That sounds good).
Did you know?
- The word klingen shares a root with the English word 'clang', reflecting its original use to describe the ringing of metal or bells.
- While klingt gut sounds like 'sounds good', German speakers often use Hört sich gut an, which literally translates to 'hears itself good'.
- The word gut shares an ancient root with the English word 'good', both descending from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to unite' or 'to suit'.
Examples in context
- Heute Abend klingt gut.Tonight sounds good.This sentence shows how to use klingt gut to agree with a time suggestion.Tatoeba #3060024 by thomasvw, translation #2253785 by CK
- Dein Vorschlag klingt gut.Your proposal sounds good.This sentence demonstrates using klingt gut to agree with a proposal.Tatoeba #2151792 by freddy1, translation #2151800 by freddy1
- Ihre neue Gitarre klingt gut.Your new guitar sounds good.This sentence shows how klingt gut describes the literal acoustic quality of an instrument.Tatoeba #8459854 by manese, translation #3824350 by CK
- Wir sollten das Projekt bis nächste Woche abschließen. Das klingt gut.We should finish the project by next week. Sounds good.
- Morgen um 10 Uhr wäre ein passender Zeitpunkt für ein Meeting. In Ordnung.Tomorrow at 10 a.m. would be a suitable time for a meeting. Sounds good.
- Sollen wir am Samstag ins Kino gehen? Klingt gut!Should we go to the cinema on Saturday? Sounds good!
- Ich habe Tickets für das Konzert. Passt!I have tickets for the concert. Sounds good!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are discussing their weekend plans.
- FelixWollen wir am Samstag wandern gehen?Do we want to go hiking on Saturday?
- LauraJa, das klingt gut!Yes, that sounds good!
- FelixSoll ich die Snacks einpacken?Should I pack the snacks?
- LauraJa, das wäre super.Yes, that would be great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
