01
brutal
Describes an action that is extremely violent, ruthless, and cruel.
example
Der Überfall wurde mit brutaler Gewalt verübt.
The attack was carried out with brutal force.
brutal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The context shows the meaning: in connection with violence or crime, 'brutal' means cruel. With words like 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty) or 'Wahrheit' (truth), it means unsparingly direct. As an intensifier before another adjective, it is colloquial for 'very'.
EXAMPLE
Der Film zeigte die brutale Realität des Krieges.
The film showed the brutal reality of war.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'violent', 'brutal' is often combined with nouns that describe a physical confrontation or aggression. Typical combinations are: 'brutale Gewalt' (brutal violence), 'ein brutaler Angriff' (a brutal attack), or 'ein brutales Foul' (a brutal foul, in sports).
EXAMPLE
Der Täter ging mit brutaler Härte vor.
The perpetrator acted with brutal severity.
Register: colloquial language
Using 'brutal' as an intensifier for 'very' or 'extremely' is purely colloquial and typical of youth language. It should be avoided in formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Die Party am Wochenende war brutal lustig.
The party at the weekend was extremely fun.
Compare with
brutal vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'brutal' can both intensify something. 'sehr' is neutral and fits positive, negative, and factual statements. 'brutal' as an intensifier is colloquial and sounds much stronger, for example 'brutal kalt' (extremely cold) or 'brutal schwer' (extremely difficult / heavy). The words can be confused because 'brutal' sometimes simply means 'extremely'. But 'brutal' can also express violence, harshness, or something shocking. For that reason, you should not use it instead of 'sehr' in every neutral sentence.
brutal
Vor der Reise war der Verkehr brutal anstrengend.
Before the trip, the traffic was extremely exhausting.
sehr
Mehmet hilft seinem Freund heute sehr gern im Büro.
Mehmet is very happy to help his friend in the office today.
In real life
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