German word

genügen

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈnyːgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbbe enough

Example

Das Geld genügt mir nicht.

The money is not enough for me.

Illustration for genügen (be enough)

More examples

Ein kurzes Gespräch genügt oft.

A short conversation is often enough.

Core concept

A key turns a lock only as far as required: the available amount clears the practical threshold.

Common phrases

  • genügt nicht

    not be enough

  • genügt als Beweis

    be enough as evidence

Similar words

reichen: To be enough in everyday situations for the amount or scope involved.
ausreichen: To be sufficient for a particular task, need, or purpose.

Definition in German

genügen bedeutet, dass etwas hinreichend vorhanden ist, sodass Zweck oder Forderung erfüllt werden.

Word origin

The verb comes through Middle High German genüegen from Old High German ginugan, built on the same Germanic source as genug.

Usage tips

  • Genügen often sounds more formal than reichen, which is common in everyday German for 'be enough'.

Other meanings

  • satisfyverb
  • sufficeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Genügesufficiencynoun
  • genügendsufficientadjective

Word lists with this word