du siehst gut aus
The English phrase "you look good" is translated into German as du siehst gut aus.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they have an attractive physical appearance. While gut aussehen refers to physical appearance, if you want to say someone looks 'handsome' or 'beautiful' specifically, you might use gut aussehen for a general vibe or hübsch aussehen for a more delicate beauty.
Which one should you use?
To increase the intensity of the compliment from 'good' to 'great', replace gut with toll. For example, Du siehst toll aus means "you look great."
Is it said differently in some regions?
Du schaugst guad aus. is a Bavarian dialect phrase meaning you look good.
How does it change in a sentence?
German uses different forms depending on whom you are addressing. Use du siehst gut aus for one person you know well, and use the plural form ihr seht gut aus when complimenting a group of people you know well. If you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or someone you address formally, use Sie sehen gut aus instead of du siehst gut aus.
Did you know?
- The word du is a direct relative of the archaic English word 'thou', which was once the standard way to address a single person informally.
- In German, complimenting someone's appearance often involves a 'separable verb', where the prefix aus is detached and pushed to the very end of the sentence.
- Using Sie sehen gut aus instead of du siehst gut aus is not just about politeness, but is a strict social requirement when speaking to a boss or a stranger.
Examples in context
- Du siehst gut aus in Weiß.You look good in white.This sentence is useful for noting how the phrase du siehst gut aus can be used with specific colors.Tatoeba #6645179 by Felixjp, translation #3170511 by CK
- Du siehst gut aus heute.You look good today.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are meeting at a cafe.
- FelixHallo Julia, du siehst gut aus!Hello Julia, you look good!
- JuliaDanke, Felix! Das ist lieb von dir.Thanks, Felix! That is sweet of you.
- FelixDein neues Kleid steht dir sehr.Your new dress suits you very much.
- JuliaIch freue mich, dass es dir gefällt.I am happy that you like it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aus, du, gut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
