du siehst toll aus
The English phrase "you look great" is translated into German as du siehst toll aus.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that their physical appearance is attractive.
Which one should you use?
The word toll is a general term for "great" or "awesome". In contrast, if you want to use a more standard way to say "you look good", you would use gut (du siehst gut aus).
How does it change in a sentence?
In German, the verb aussehen is conjugated to siehst … aus when used with the subject du.
Did you know?
- The word toll used in this compliment once meant 'crazy' or 'stupid'. It evolved from describing someone who was dazed or foolish to describing something that is 'great' or 'awesome'.
- In Germany, giving a compliment like du siehst toll aus to a stranger can sometimes be interpreted as a flirtatious advance rather than a polite observation.
- Because German distinguishes between formal and informal 'you', saying du siehst toll aus to a boss or a stranger could be seen as inappropriately forward.
Examples in context
- Du siehst toll aus!You look great.This example shows the phrase used as an exclamation.Tatoeba #1907449 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1895718 by CK
- „Wie sehe ich aus?“ – „Du siehst toll aus.“"How do I look?" "You look great."This example shows a dialogue where someone asks how they look and receives the compliment using du siehst toll aus.Tatoeba #9639668 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3098675 by Hybrid
- Du siehst absolut toll aus!You look absolutely great!
- Sie sehen wirklich fantastisch aus!You look really fantastic!
- Dein neues Outfit sieht fantastisch aus!Your new outfit looks fantastic!
- Du siehst toll aus in diesem Kleid!You look great in this dress!
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are getting ready for a party.
- LauraMaximilian, du siehst toll aus!Maximilian, you look great!
- MaximilianDanke, Laura! Du siehst auch toll aus.Thanks, Laura! You look great too.
- LauraGefällt dir mein neues Kleid?Do you like my new dress?
- MaximilianJa, es steht dir sehr gut.Yes, it suits you very well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aus, du, toll, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
