Ways to say it
| Swiss German | Note |
|---|---|
| mega guet | |
| sehr guet | more neutral |
mega is a popular Swiss intensifier, especially among younger speakers, and mega guet fits food, a film, a result or almost anything else. sehr guet is more neutral and closer to Standard German, fitting a more careful register such as feedback at work.
What does it mean word for word?
mega is used the way English speakers use 'super' or 'really'. sehr guet joins sehr, 'very', with guet, 'good'.
Which one should you use?
mega guet sounds energetic and casual, used among friends and family. sehr guet is calmer and fits written feedback or speaking with someone you do not know well.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sehr guet is the safer choice in a formal setting, such as a performance review. mega guet is informal and enthusiastic.
Is it said differently in some regions?
mega as an intensifier is widespread among younger speakers across German-speaking Switzerland, though older speakers use it less.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both mega and sehr come directly before guet and never change form, regardless of what is being described.
How do you pronounce it?
mega is stressed on the first syllable, 'ME-ga', much as in Standard German.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Overusing mega in a formal letter or a job interview can sound too casual. Switch to sehr guet in those settings.
Did you know?
- mega as an intensifier spread through Swiss German mainly among younger speakers and is now heard across all age groups in casual speech.
- mega guet can describe almost anything positive, from a meal to a piece of news, much like English speakers use 'awesome'.
Examples in context
- Dä Film isch mega guet gsi.That movie was very good.
- Dini Idee isch sehr guet.Your idea is very good.
- Das Ässe schmöckt mega guet.This food tastes very good.
Example conversation
Sven asks his friend Alina how her exam went.
- SvenUnd, wie isch d Prüefig gloffe?So, how did the exam go?
- AlinaMega guet, viel besser als dänkt.Very good, much better than expected.
- SvenSuper, das freut mich.Great, I'm happy for you.
- AlinaMerci, ich bin au mega zfriede.Thanks, I'm very satisfied too.
