German word

tierisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtiːʁɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adverbreally

Example

Ich bin tierisch müde.

I'm really tired.

Illustration for tierisch (really)

More examples

Der Film war tierisch spannend.

The film was really thrilling.

Core concept

Animal force pushes an ordinary feeling far beyond its usual level.

Common phrases

  • tierisch müde

    really tired

  • tierisch viel

    a whole lot

  • tierisch peinlich

    really embarrassing

Similar words

sehr: A standard adverb expressing a high degree.
extrem: A strong adverb indicating an extremely high degree.
wirklich: An adverb emphasizing that something is genuinely true or felt.
total: A casual intensifier expressing completeness or a very high degree.

Definition in German

in der Umgangssprache als Adverb gebraucht, um etwas in hohem Maße zu betonen; entspricht umgangssprachlich 'sehr'.

Word origin

Tierisch is formed from German Tier, meaning animal, with the suffix -isch, and its colloquial intensifying use developed from the adjective.

Usage tips

  • As an adverb, tierisch is colloquial and emphatic, while neutral or formal writing usually uses sehr or äußerst instead.

Other meanings

  • animaladjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word