unglaublich
/ʊnˈɡlau̯plɪç/
The German word for unbelievable is unglaublich.
unglaublich is used to express that something is incredible. Much like in English, it can be used in a positive sense to mean amazing or in a negative sense to mean implausible or outrageous, depending on the context.
Meaning: incredible (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix un- (un-), the verb glauben (to believe) and the suffix -lich (which forms an adjective, similar to the English suffix '-able').
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective before a noun with a definite article in the accusative masculine singular, the form changes to unglaublichen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʊnˈɡlau̯plɪç/
Did you know?
- If you want to say something is 'unbelievably' good, Germans often prefer the word wahnsinnig, which literally means 'insane' or 'mad'.
- The word glauben is not just for belief in facts, but is also the standard word used for 'to think' or 'to assume' in many contexts.
- While unglaublich means 'unbelievable', the German word for 'faith' is Glaube. This links the concept of believing a fact with the concept of religious faith.
Examples in context
- Du bist einfach unglaublich!You are simply unbelievable.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of unglaublich to describe a person.Tatoeba #1919380 by Tamy, translation #8981771 by sundown
- Sie kann unglaublich singen.She sings in an unbelievable way.This sentence shows how unglaublich can function as an adverb to describe an action.Tatoeba #11537861 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1330035 by sundown
- Diese ganze Sache ist unglaublich.This whole thing is unbelievable.This sentence demonstrates using unglaublich to describe a situation or thing.Tatoeba #6114305 by al_ex_an_der, translation #6114302 by al_ex_an_der
- Die Entwicklung dieses Produkts ist unglaublich.The development of this product is unbelievable.
- Es ist erstaunlich, wie schnell sich die Technologie entwickelt.It is unbelievable how quickly technology is advancing.
- Der Film war krass! So eine spannende Handlung hatte ich nicht erwartet.The movie was unbelievable! I didn't expect such an exciting plot.
- Das Konzert gestern Abend war der Hammer! Die Band war so gut.Yesterday evening's concert was unbelievable! The band was so great.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are standing on a balcony looking at the mountains.
- SarahSchau dir diesen Berg an, Felix!Look at this mountain, Felix!
- FelixJa, das ist wirklich unglaublich.Yes, that is truly incredible.
- SarahIch bin so froh, dass wir hier sind.I am so glad we are here.
- FelixDas kann ich nur bestätigen.I can only confirm that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unbelievable” translations and entries unglaublich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
