German word

gar

Pronunciation

IPA/gaːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adverbat all

Example

Das ist gar nicht wahr.

That isn't true at all.

Illustration for gar (at all)

More examples

Ich verstehe das gar nicht.

I don't understand it at all.

Core concept

A scale pushed to its endpoint, marking totality and, with negation, total absence.

Common phrases

  • gar nicht

    not at all

  • gar nichts

    nothing at all

Similar words

nicht: Forms basic negation of a verb or an entire statement.
überhaupt: In a negative statement, emphasizes complete absence or lack.
niemals: Expresses that something never happens, at no time.
keineswegs: Firmly rejects something, meaning "by no means".

Definition in German

Zur Verstärkung vor „nicht“ oder vor Adjektiven und Partizipien verwendet, oft mit der Bedeutung „ganz“ oder „völlig“.

Word origin

Gar comes from Old High German gar, an inherited Germanic word meaning 'fully' or 'completely'.

Usage tips

  • In gar nicht, gar strengthens nicht, so the phrase means 'not at all' rather than merely 'not completely'.

Other meanings

  • evenadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word