German word

besser

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbɛsɐ/

Meaning

  • adverbbetter

Example

Du kannst das besser machen.

You can do that better.

Illustration for besser (better)

More examples

In der Prüfung hat er besser abgeschnitten als erwartet.

He performed better than expected in the exam.

Core concept

A result or performance sits higher on a scale than another one.

Common phrases

  • besser abschneiden

    perform better

  • besser zurechtkommen

    cope better

  • besser als zuvor

    better than before

Similar words

gut: In a good or satisfactory way.
am besten: In the most effective or satisfactory way among the available options.
noch besser: In an even more effective or satisfactory way than before.

Definition in German

Komparativ von gut; drückt aus, dass etwas im Vergleich vorteilhafter oder in der Ausführung besser ist.

Word origin

Besser is the inherited Germanic comparative of gut and is historically related to English better.

Usage tips

  • A stated comparison normally uses als, as in besser als vorher, but als can be omitted when the comparison is clear.

Other meanings

  • superioradjective
  • more skillfullyadverb

Opposites

  • schlechterworseadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word