German word

intensiv

Pronunciation

IPA/ɪntɛnˈziːf/

Meaning

  • adjectiveintensive

Example

Ich mache einen intensiven Sprachkurs.

I'm taking an intensive language course.

Illustration for intensiv (intensive)

More examples

Wir brauchen intensive Sprechpraxis, um flüssiger zu werden.

We need intensive speaking practice to become more fluent.

Core concept

A narrow beam of effort or attention is directed strongly at one task or point.

Common phrases

  • intensive Grammatikübungen

    intensive grammar exercises

  • intensive Sprechpraxis

    intensive speaking practice

  • intensive Tandemtreffen

    intensive tandem meetings

Similar words

stark: Powerful in its effect or influence.
tief: Reaching deeply into feelings or inner experience.
heftig: Marked by sudden, vigorous force or violent change.

Definition in German

Mit großer Intensität oder Konzentration ausgeführt oder vorhanden; auf ein Ziel oder einen Punkt gerichtet.

Word origin

German intensiv is a learned borrowing from Latin intensīvus, related to intendere, meaning to stretch or direct toward.

Usage tips

  • As an adjective, intensiv takes endings such as in ein intensiver Kurs, while the adverb remains intensiv in intensiv lernen.

Other meanings

  • intenseadjective
  • thoroughadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Intensivkursintensive coursenoun
  • Intensivierungintensificationnoun

Word lists with this word