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enorm
enormous
Exceptionally large in extent, amount, degree, or intensity; tremendous, huge.
example
Der finanzielle Druck auf das Unternehmen ist enorm.
The financial pressure on the company is enormous.
enorm
enormous
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Not gradable
'Enorm' (enormous) is an absolute adjective and cannot be compared. Forms like 'enormer' or 'am enormsten' are ungrammatical.
EXAMPLE
Der Erfolg des Films war enorm.
The success of the film was enormous.
Adjective and adverb
'Enorm' (enormous/enormously) can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb to intensify a verb or adjective. The form remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt erfordert einen enormen Zeitaufwand.
The project requires an enormous amount of time.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'enorm' (enormous) is often combined with nouns that express size, quantity, or intensity. Typical examples are: 'enormer Druck' (enormous pressure), 'enorme Kosten' (enormous costs), 'enormes Wachstum' (enormous growth), or 'enorme Bedeutung' (enormous importance).
EXAMPLE
Die Digitalisierung hat eine enorme Bedeutung für die Wirtschaft.
Digitalization has enormous importance for the economy.
Register
The meaning 'großartig' (great) or 'toll' (awesome) is purely colloquial. It is used to express enthusiasm and does not fit formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Wir hatten gestern Abend einen enormen Spaß auf der Party.
We had an amazing time at the party last night.
Compare with
enorm vs toll
great / mad
'toll' and 'enorm' can both sound positive when something is impressive. 'toll' is direct praise and fits well with experiences, ideas, or people. 'enorm' usually means that something is very large, strong, or intense, for example 'ein enormer Aufwand' (an enormous effort) or 'ein enormer Erfolg' (an enormous success). Colloquially, 'enorm' can also mean 'very good', but you often still hear the idea of size or strength in it. If you simply want to express enthusiasm, 'toll' is usually more natural.
enorm
Der Erfolg des kleinen Teams ist enorm.
The small team's success is enormous.
toll
Nach dem Gespräch fand die Chefin die neue Idee toll.
After the conversation, the boss thought the new idea was great.
In real life
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