German Conversation · Level 78
59 words
German word
erstaunlich
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈʃtaʊ̯nlɪç/
Meaning
- adjectiveamazing
Example
Das Ergebnis ist erstaunlich.
The result is amazing.
More examples
Für mich ist das Verhalten erstaunlich.
For me, this behavior is amazing.
Core concept
Something so far beyond expectation that it feels remarkable rather than ordinary.
Common phrases
sehr erstaunlich
very amazing
für mich erstaunlich
amazing to me
Similar words
überraschend: Surprising because events turn out differently from what was expected.
unglaublich: So improbable that belief becomes difficult and doubt arises.
außergewöhnlich: Markedly uncommon and distinct from what is usual.
verblüffend: So startling that it is difficult to grasp at once.
Definition in German
Überraschend und bemerkenswert, sodass es Erstaunen auslöst.
Word origin
The word combines erstaunen, meaning 'to astonish', with the adjective-forming suffix -lich; erstaunen itself is based on staunen 'to marvel' with er-.
Usage tips
- Erstaunlich often describes degree, as in erstaunlich gut 'surprisingly good', and does not necessarily mean that something is excellent.
Other meanings
- surprisingadjective
Opposites
- normalnormaladjective
Related words
- Erstaunlichkeitamazingnessnoun
- erstauntsurprisedadjective