extrem
extremely
To a very high degree; used as an intensifier for an adjective or adverb.
EXAMPLE
Das Wasser im See war extrem kalt.
The water in the lake was extremely cold.
extrem
extreme
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Meanings
extrem
extreme
Describes something that is at the outermost end of a scale and is not moderate or average.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sehr extreme Ansichten und ist kaum kompromissbereit.
He has very extreme views and is hardly willing to compromise.
extrem
extreme
Describes a situation or condition that is especially difficult, exhausting, or dangerous.
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteiger mussten unter extremen Bedingungen arbeiten.
The mountaineers had to work under extreme conditions.
Usage tips
Adverb or adjective
'Extrem' can stand as an adverb before an adjective or adverb to intensify it. In that case, it is not declined. When it stands directly before a noun as an adjective, it is declined like any other adjective.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war extrem langweilig.
The film was extremely boring.
Use as an intensifier
As an adverb, 'extrem' means something like 'sehr' (very) or 'außergewöhnlich' (exceptionally). It can be used to describe the intensity of a feeling, quality, or action.
EXAMPLE
Er ist extrem intelligent.
He is extremely intelligent.
Typical collocations
As an adjective, 'extrem' is often used to describe difficult or challenging circumstances. Common combinations are 'extreme Bedingungen' (extreme conditions), 'extreme Temperaturen' (extreme temperatures), or 'eine extreme Situation' (an extreme situation).
EXAMPLE
Die Rettungskräfte arbeiteten unter extremen Bedingungen.
The rescue workers worked under extreme conditions.
Compare with
extrem vs krass
awesome / extreme
Both words can intensify an unusually high degree. „Extrem“ describes the degree in a relatively neutral way, whereas „krass“ is colloquial and sounds more like a personal reaction or evaluation. Use „extrem“ in neutral statements and „krass“ mainly in casual conversation.
extrem
Die Prüfung war extrem schwer.
The exam was extremely difficult.
krass
Die Prüfung war krass schwer.
The exam was insanely difficult.
In real life
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