Learning how to express the concept of “very” in German is an essential part of expanding your vocabulary and mastering the language. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways of conveying “very” in German, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive right in and discover various ways to express intensity or extremeness in German!
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Formal Ways to Say “Very” in German
When it comes to expressing “very” in formal contexts, the German language offers a range of options. Here are some of the most commonly used formal adverbs:
- Sehr: This is the most versatile and widely used adverb for “very” in German. It can be used in all types of situations and works with both adjectives and adverbs. For example:
Das Essen ist sehr lecker. (The food is very tasty.)
Er ist sehr schnell gelaufen. (He ran very fast.) - Außerordentlich: This word is used to convey an even higher degree of intensity than “sehr.” It expresses extreme or exceptional qualities. For instance:
Das war außerordentlich gut. (That was extremely good.)
Sie ist außerordentlich talentiert. (She is exceptionally talented.) - Hochgradig: This adverb is often used to emphasize the intensity of a particular characteristic, trait, or state. It can be used for both positive and negative contexts. For example:
Er ist hochgradig motiviert. (He is highly motivated.)
Das war hochgradig enttäuschend. (That was highly disappointing.) - Äußerst: Similar to “hochgradig,” this word is used to emphasize an extreme degree or intensity. It is often used in a slightly more formal context. Examples include:
Das Buch ist äußerst interessant. (The book is extremely interesting.)
Die Situation war äußerst kompliziert. (The situation was extremely complicated.) - Extrem: As the German equivalent of “extremely,” this adverb signifies a high degree of intensity. It is commonly used to describe extreme emotions or situations. For instance:
Es war extrem kalt. (It was extremely cold.)
Ich bin extrem aufgeregt. (I am extremely excited.)
Informal Ways to Say “Very” in German
When conversing in a more casual or informal setting, German offers alternative expressions for “very.” Here are a few popular informal adverbs:
- Wirklich: In informal speech, “wirklich” is often used to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic. It can convey a sense of genuine or strong intensity. For example:
Das Essen ist wirklich gut. (The food is really good.)
Du siehst wirklich schön aus! (You look really beautiful!) - Echt: This informal adverb is similar to “wirklich” and is frequently used in colloquial conversations to intensify an adjective or an adverb. Some examples include:
Das war echt krass. (That was really intense.)
Er hat echt viel Glück gehabt. (He was really lucky.) - Voll: Often used among younger generations in informal contexts, “voll” can be used in place of “sehr” to express high intensity. It is widely prevalent in spoken German. For instance:
Sie ist voll nett. (She is really nice.)
Das war voll spannend. (That was really exciting.)
Regional Variations: Dialects and Unique Expressions
It’s worth noting that as with any language, German has its fair share of regional variations and dialects. Certain areas within German-speaking countries may have unique expressions for emphasizing “very.” Let’s look at a couple of examples:
- Bayerisch (Bavarian): In Bavarian German, you may come across the phrase “ganz schee” or “ur” (pronounced “oah”) to express “very.” These regional adverbs add local charm to the language.
Die Party war ganz schee guad. (The party was very good.)
Der Film war ur witzig. (The movie was very funny.) - Wienerisch (Viennese): Viennese German often incorporates the word “grod” or the phrase “wahnsinnig” to convey “very.” These expressions give Viennese German its distinctive flavor.
Sie is grod super. (She is very great.)
Der Kaffee schmeckt wahnsinnig gut. (The coffee tastes incredibly good.)
Remember that regional variations are most evident in spoken language, so it’s good to familiarize yourself with different dialects if you plan on spending time in a specific region within the German-speaking world.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now been equipped with a range of formal and informal expressions to convey the concept of “very” in German. From the versatile “sehr” to the casual “voll,” you have a variety of options to express intensity and extremeness depending on the context. It’s important to consider the formality of the situation and the region you find yourself in to ensure you’re using the appropriate expression. So, keep practicing, immerse yourself in the language, and soon enough, you’ll be using “very” in German like a native!
