das ist toll
In German, "that is great" is expressed as das ist toll.
This expression is used to show enthusiasm or approval when something is very good.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of das (that), ist (is) and toll (great/awesome).
Which one should you use?
While das ist toll is common in everyday speech, das ist großartig is slightly more intense and can sound more formal or emphatic. Use das ist ausgezeichnet to emphasize excellence or perfection, or das ist beeindruckend to convey a sense of awe or admiration.
Did you know?
- The word toll shares a common ancestor with the English word 'dull'. Both words stem from the Proto-Germanic root for being dazed or slow-witted.
- If you want to sound more formal than das ist toll, you can use das ist großartig, which literally combines the words for 'big' and 'art'.
- While das ist toll is a common compliment, the word toll can also describe a chaotic or wildly disorganized situation.
Examples in context
- Deine Idee ist super.Your idea is great.
- Dein Talent am Klavier ist der Hammer.Your talent on the piano is amazing.
- Das ist toll, dass du kommen kannst!That is great that you can come!
- Das ist toll!That is great!
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are talking about his new job.
- HannahDu hast den Job bekommen?You got the job?
- MaximilianJa, ich habe ihn!Yes, I got it!
- HannahDas ist toll, Maximilian!That is great, Maximilian!
- MaximilianDanke, Hannah!Thanks, Hannah!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries das, toll, CC BY-SA 4.0.
