German word

genial

Pronunciation

IPA/geˈni̯aːl/

Meaning

  • adjectivefantastic

Example

Das ist genial.

That's fantastic.

Illustration for genial (fantastic)

More examples

Das Konzert gestern war genial.

The concert yesterday was brilliant.

Core concept

A strikingly clever idea or solution that makes a difficult task seem easy.

Common phrases

  • eine geniale Idee

    a brilliant idea

  • ein geniales Konzept

    an ingenious concept

  • genial umgesetzt

    brilliantly executed

Similar words

einfallsreich: Resourceful and inventive in developing fresh ideas or solutions.
brillant: Exceptionally accomplished in performance, quality, or expression.
beeindruckend: Striking enough to evoke strong admiration or feeling.

Definition in German

Außerordentlich einfallsreich oder beeindruckend; verwendet, um Lösungen, Ideen oder Leistungen besonders positiv zu beschreiben.

Word origin

German genial comes through French génial from Latin genialis, meaning related to a genius or guardian spirit.

Usage tips

  • German genial commonly praises an idea, solution, performance, or object, while genial for a person usually means exceptionally clever rather than friendly.

Other meanings

  • brilliantadjective
  • ingeniousadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Genialitätgeniusnoun
  • genialerweisebrilliantlyadverb

Word lists with this word