German word

genau

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈnaʊ̯/

Meaning

  • interjectionexactly

Example

Genau, das stimmt.

Exactly, that's right.

Illustration for genau (exactly)

More examples

Ja, genau!

Yes, exactly!

Core concept

A ruler edge meeting a marked line with no gap.

Common phrases

  • Ja, genau

    Yes, exactly

  • Stimmt, genau

    Right, exactly

Similar words

ja: Gives a brief, simple affirmative response.
stimmt: Agrees that what was said is correct in casual speech.
richtig: Strongly affirms that the content is correct.
genau so: Shows that the way or situation is exactly the same.

Definition in German

Wird verwendet, um zu zeigen, dass eine Aussage zutreffend oder präzise ist.

Word origin

Genau developed from Middle High German genawe and Old High German ginuowi, words for closeness that gained the sense of precise agreement.

Usage tips

  • As a standalone reply, genau confirms the previous statement, while genau, das stimmt provides a fuller agreement.

Other meanings

  • certainlyadverb
  • preciselyadverb
  • justadverb

Opposites

  • Neinnointerjection

Word lists with this word