Greeting! If you’re looking to express excitement, satisfaction, or admiration in German, it’s essential to know how to say “That is great.” Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, this guide will provide you with various ways to convey this sentiment. We’ll also explore a few regional variations, where applicable. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Expressions:
When communicating in a formal context, such as business meetings, presentations, or speaking with superiors, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to convey “That is great” in German:
1. Das ist großartig.
This expression translates exactly to “That is great.” It is a versatile phrase that can be used in most formal situations. You can confidently use it when expressing admiration for someone’s achievements, work, or ideas.
Example: Ihre Präsentation war wirklich großartig. (Your presentation was truly great.)
2. Das ist ausgezeichnet.
If you want to go beyond “great” and emphasize excellence or perfection, you can say “Das ist ausgezeichnet.” Use this phrase when you are genuinely impressed by something in a formal setting.
Example: Ihre Ergebnisse sind wirklich ausgezeichnet. (Your results are truly excellent.)
3. Das ist beeindruckend.
When you want to convey a sense of awe or admiration, “Das ist beeindruckend” is an ideal choice. Employ this phrase to express that something leaves a deep impression on you.
Example: Ihr Einsatz für wohltätige Zwecke ist sehr beeindruckend. (Your dedication to charity work is very impressive.)
Informal Expressions:
In casual conversations, among friends, family, or colleagues, you can use these informal expressions to convey your appreciation or excitement:
1. Das ist super.
“Das ist super” is a simple, commonly used phrase to express excitement or satisfaction. It is a versatile and appropriate choice for most informal situations.
Example: Deine Idee ist super. (Your idea is great.)
2. Das ist genial.
When you want to express that something is not just great but also brilliant or ingenious, use “Das ist genial.”
Example: Die Party letzten Abend war genial. (The party last night was brilliant.)
3. Das ist der Hammer.
If you’re looking for a more colloquial way to express excitement or acknowledge something impressive, this phrase is worth using. “Das ist der Hammer” translates to “That is amazing.”
Example: Dein Talent am Klavier ist der Hammer. (Your talent on the piano is amazing.)
Regional Variations:
While the German language is largely consistent throughout Germany, there are some regional variations when it comes to expressions. Here are a few regional variations for saying “That is great” in specific areas:
1. Das ist geil. (Northern Germany)
In the northern parts of Germany, especially among younger generations, “Das ist geil” is a common expression used to convey enthusiasm or excitement. However, note that its usage can be seen as more casual and inappropriate in formal settings.
2. Das ist der Wahnsinn. (Austria)
In Austria, a phrase similar to “That is great” is “Das ist der Wahnsinn.” Austrian German has slight variations from standard German, and this phrase is widely understood and used throughout the country.
3. Das ist toll. (Switzerland)
In Switzerland, the word “toll” is commonly used to express that something is great. It is a versatile term suitable for both formal and informal discussions, and it is readily understood across the country.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned various ways to say “That is great” in German, both formally and informally, you can confidently express admiration, excitement, or satisfaction in any situation. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the formality of the conversation or regional variations. Practice using these phrases, and soon enough, they’ll become second nature. Viel Glück! (Good luck!)
