super
/ˈzuːpɐ/
In German, 'super' is translated as super when describing something as better than usual.
As an adjective, super describes something as being better than usual. In colloquial German, it is frequently used as an interjection to express enthusiastic agreement or approval, much like saying 'great!' or 'awesome!' in English. It can also function as a standalone intensifier.
Meaning: better than usual (adj)
Which one should you use?
While super can function as a prefix in compound words, such as Supermarkt, it also serves as a standalone adjective or intensifier. When used as an adjective, it is an informal way to express excitement or approval.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an uninflected adverb meaning 'very' or 'extremely', super does not take adjective endings.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzuːpɐ/
Did you know?
- While super is positive, Germans often use it in a sarcastic tone to signal that something is actually terrible. The meaning is conveyed entirely through a specific drop in pitch and a deadpan expression.
- The word super is an example of a 'loanword loop', as it originally came from Latin to German but its modern colloquial usage was reinforced by English.
- In German, super can be used as an adverb to modify other adjectives, such as superlecker for 'super delicious'. In this role, it creates a single compound word rather than staying as a separate word.
Examples in context
- Sie ist ein Supermodel.She's a super model.This sentence uses super to describe a model.Tatoeba #10039736 by Melang, translation #8400977 by Amastan
- Er macht einen super Job.He is doing a super job.This sentence uses super to describe a job.Tatoeba #1825924 by Tamy, translation #284521 by CK
- Sie spielt Super Mario Bros.She's playing Super Mario Bros.This sentence uses super as part of a proper name.Tatoeba #2221393 by Tamy, translation #2020332 by Spamster
- Die Arbeitsergebnisse waren hervorragend.The work results were excellent.
- Ihre Leistungen sind wirklich ausgezeichnet.Your achievements are truly superb.
- Das Konzert gestern war super!The concert yesterday was super!
- Dein neues Auto ist wirklich toll!Your new car is really great!
- Der Urlaub war einfach klasse!The vacation was simply super!
- Die Party gestern war spitze!The party yesterday was super!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are talking about a movie they just watched.
- FelixWie fandest du den Film?How did you like the movie?
- JuliaIch fand ihn echt super!I thought it was really great!
- FelixDie Musik war auch super, oder?The music was great too, right?
- JuliaJa, die war wirklich toll.Yes, it was really wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “super” translations and entries super, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries super, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
