too / overly
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too / overly
Expresses an excessive degree and means 'zu sehr' (too much). It is often used to soften statements in negative sentences or before adjectives and adverbs.
Du solltest dir nicht allzu viele Gedanken darüber machen.
You shouldn't worry too much about it.
'Allzu' (too/overly) is an intensification of 'zu' (too). It is made up of 'all' and 'zu' and literally means 'too in every respect' or 'beyond all measure'.
Sei nicht allzu enttäuscht, es wird eine neue Chance geben.
Don't be too disappointed; there will be another chance.
'Allzu' (too/overly) always stands directly before the adjective or adverb it intensifies. It cannot stand alone or in another position in the sentence.
Wir sollten nicht allzu spät losfahren, wenn wir pünktlich sein wollen.
We shouldn't leave too late if we want to be on time.
'Allzu' (too/overly) is especially common in negative sentences. The combination 'nicht allzu' (not too / not particularly) softens a statement and means 'not excessively' or 'not particularly'.
Der Film war gut, aber nicht allzu spannend.
The film was good, but not too exciting.
to / too / closed
'zu' and 'allzu' can both express that something is more than would be good or necessary. 'zu' is the normal everyday word: something is 'zu teuer' (too expensive), 'zu laut' (too loud), or 'zu schwer' (too heavy). 'allzu' means roughly 'too much' or 'overly', but it often sounds a little more elevated or cautious. It is especially common in negative sentences, for example 'nicht allzu schwer' (not too difficult). Learners may confuse the words because both can come before adjectives or adverbs. As a simple guide: for clear criticism or a clear problem, you usually use 'zu'. For a cautious or softened statement, 'allzu' often fits.
Mach dir nicht allzu viele Sorgen wegen des Termins.
Don't worry too much about the appointment.
Der Kaffee ist mir heute zu heiß.
The coffee is too hot for me today.