sehr süß
/zeːr zyːs/word by word
The English phrase "very cute" is expressed in German as sehr süß.
sehr süß is used to describe someone or something that is extremely attractive in a sweet or endearing way. This phrase can be applied to people, such as children or romantic partners, as well as to inanimate objects like animals or small items.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sehr (very) and süß (sweet), which is the standard way to express "cute" in a way that implies endearment.
Which one should you use?
While sehr süß implies a sweet or endearing quality, sehr hübsch is used to describe someone who is physically pretty or attractive in a more conventional sense.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, especially in Southern Germany and Austria, the term putzig is used to describe something or someone as "cute."
How do you pronounce it?
/zeːr zyːs/
Did you know?
- The word sehr evolved from an Old High German word meaning 'sored' or 'injured'. It shifted from describing a painful intensity to a general intensifier like 'very'.
- In some contexts, süß can be used sarcastically to describe something that is perceived as naive or overly simplistic, similar to how an English speaker might say 'that's cute' to dismiss an idea.
- While you might call a baby sehr süß, using süß to describe a romantic partner can sometimes sound slightly patronizing or 'too sweet' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Du bist sehr süß.You're very cute.This sentence is useful for saying "You're very cute" using sehr süß.Tatoeba #2042570 by Tamy, translation #2648581 by CK
- Sie sah sehr süß aus.She looked very cute.This sentence is useful for saying "She looked very cute" using sehr süß.Tatoeba #11136652 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8312500 by Hybrid
- Ich finde es sehr süß.I find it very cute.This sentence is useful for saying "I find it very cute" using sehr süß.Tatoeba #10050021 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9921893 by lucasmg123
- Die kleine Katze ist so niedlich!The little cat is so cute!
- Das Baby mit seinen roten Wangen ist wirklich knuffig!The baby with its red cheeks is really cute!
- Dein neuer Hut sieht echt goldig aus!Your new hat looks really cute!
- Die kleinen Entenküken im Park sind so putzig!The little ducklings in the park are so cute!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura shows Julian a photo of her new puppy.
- LauraSchau mal, ist er nicht sehr süß?Look, isn't he very cute?
- JulianJa, der kleine Hund ist wirklich sehr süß.Yes, the little dog is really very cute.
- LauraDanke, Julian! Er schläft die ganze Zeit.Thanks, Julian! He sleeps all the time.
- JulianDas ist ja sehr süß.That is very cute.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sehr, süß) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sehr, süß, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
