German word

gründlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁʏntlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivethorough

Example

Die gründliche Prüfung ist wichtig.

The thorough examination is important.

Illustration for gründlich (thorough)

More examples

Er gab eine gründliche Antwort auf die Frage.

He gave a detailed answer to the question.

Core concept

A task is handled from its foundation outward, with no relevant detail left unchecked.

Common phrases

  • gründliche Vorbereitung

    thorough preparation

  • gründliche Antwort

    detailed answer

  • gründliche Beratung

    thorough advice

Similar words

sorgfältig: Paying close attention to each point to prevent avoidable mistakes.
genau: Matching the facts precisely, including small details and measurements.
ausführlich: Explaining or recording each item in full detail without significant omissions.

Definition in German

Gründlich bedeutet, etwas sorgfältig und vollständig zu bearbeiten oder zu prüfen.

Word origin

Gründlich comes from German Grund ('ground, basis') with the adjective-forming suffix -lich, giving the earlier sense of 'fundamental'.

Usage tips

  • Gründlich also functions as an adverb without an ending, as in gründlich prüfen, while English usually translates it as 'thoroughly'.

Other meanings

  • meticulousadjective
  • detailedadjective
  • thoroughlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Gründlichkeitthoroughnessnoun

Word lists with this word