sehr gut
[ˈzeːɐ̯ ˌɡuːt]
The English phrase 'very well' is translated into German as sehr gut.
Meaning: interjection (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sehr (very) and gut (well/good).
Which one should you use?
While sehr gut can mean 'very well' as an adverb describing an action, it is also the standard way to say 'very good' as an adjective phrase.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use sehr gut to mean 'very well' in the sense of 'alright/okay' (e.g., accepting a suggestion), whereas in German, sehr gut is a strong positive evaluation and gut or in Ordnung is more common for simple agreement.
Did you know?
- The word sehr shares a root with the English word 'sorely'. Both originally described being injured or in pain before they evolved to mean 'very' or 'extremely'.
- In the German school grading system, sehr gut is the highest possible mark, equivalent to an 'A+' or a '1'.
- In German, gut can be used as a discourse marker to signal a change in topic or to wrap up a conversation, similar to saying 'Right then' in English.
Examples in context
- Er sprach sehr gut.He spoke very well.This sentence shows how to use sehr gut to describe how someone spoke.Tatoeba #2369771 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2258459 by _undertoad
- Tom singt sehr gut.Tom sings very well.This sentence demonstrates using sehr gut to describe a singing performance.Tatoeba #3189215 by Rosijupon, translation #3189137 by CK
- Du fährst sehr gut.You drive very well.This sentence shows sehr gut being used to describe a person's driving ability.Tatoeba #4657769 by AC, translation #10689627 by sundown
- Die Präsentation war sehr gut.The presentation was very well done.
- Das Bier schmeckt hier total gut.The beer tastes really good here.
- 334 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- JulianWir treffen uns am Samstag um zehn.We'll meet on Saturday at ten.
- SarahSehr gut, das passt mir perfekt.Very well, that works perfectly for me.
- JulianIch bringe dann die Getränke mit.I will bring the drinks then.
- SarahSehr gut, ich kümmere mich um das Essen.Very well, I'll take care of the food.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sehr gut, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gut, sehr, sehr gut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
