absolut
absolutely
Used as an adverb for emphasis and means 'completely', 'entirely', or 'without reservation'.
EXAMPLE
Bist du sicher? – Ja, absolut!
Are you sure? – Yes, absolutely!
absolut
absolute / absolutely
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Meanings
absolut
absolute
As an adjective, it describes something that applies completely, without restriction, and without exception.
EXAMPLE
In der Besprechung herrschte absolutes Stillschweigen.
There was absolute silence in the meeting.
absolut
absolute
In a philosophical, political, or physical context, it means 'independent', 'not relative'.
EXAMPLE
Der absolute Nullpunkt liegt bei minus 273,15 Grad Celsius.
Absolute zero is minus 273.15 degrees Celsius.
Usage tips
Adjective vs. adverb
'Absolut' can be used as an adverb or an adjective. As an adverb, it intensifies another word and is not declined. As an adjective, it stands before a noun and takes an ending.
EXAMPLE
Das ist absolut fantastisch! (Adverb)
That is absolutely fantastic! (Adverb)
As an answer
'Absolut!' (Absolutely!) can stand alone as an answer and is a very strong form of agreement. It means something like 'Ja, auf jeden Fall!' (Yes, definitely!) or 'Vollkommen richtig!' (Absolutely right!).
EXAMPLE
Findest du das auch? – Absolut!
Do you think so too? – Absolutely!
Typical collocations
As an adjective, 'absolut' (absolute) is often used in fixed combinations to express completeness: absolute Stille (absolute silence), die absolute Mehrheit (the absolute majority), ein absoluter Anfänger (an absolute beginner), absolutes Gehör (perfect pitch).
EXAMPLE
Für diese Entscheidung braucht man die absolute Mehrheit im Parlament.
For this decision, an absolute majority in parliament is needed.
Context clue
The meaning 'unabhängig' (independent) or 'nicht relativ' (not relative) is almost exclusively limited to scientific or philosophical contexts. You can recognize it from technical terms such as 'absoluter Nullpunkt' (absolute zero) or 'absolute Monarchie' (absolute monarchy).
EXAMPLE
In einer absoluten Monarchie hat der Herrscher uneingeschränkte Macht.
In an absolute monarchy, the ruler has unrestricted power.
Compare with
absolut vs völlig
completely
Völlig and absolut can strongly intensify an assessment. Völlig emphasizes above all that the stated degree has been reached in full. Absolut rather highlights that the statement applies without qualification or exception, making it sound more categorical.
absolut
Sein Verhalten während des Gesprächs war absolut inakzeptabel.
His behavior during the conversation was absolutely unacceptable.
völlig
Sein Verhalten während des Gesprächs war völlig inakzeptabel.
His behavior during the conversation was completely unacceptable.
In real life
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