01
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
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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 ganz
whole / quite
'ganz' and 'absolut' can both make a statement stronger. 'ganz' is broader and more everyday: it can mean 'completely', 'very', or also the somewhat weaker 'quite'. 'absolut' more strongly means 'without restriction' or 'entirely' and fits well when you want to express a clear opinion or certainty. Learners may confuse the words because both can stand before adjectives. If you are speaking neutrally about a whole thing, you will often use 'ganz'. If you want to emphasize something very clearly and without doubt, 'absolut' is a better fit.
absolut
Ich bin mir absolut sicher, dass diese Antwort richtig ist.
I am absolutely sure that this answer is correct.
ganz
Wir bleiben heute den ganzen Abend zu Hause.
We are staying at home all evening today.
In real life
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