fabelhaft
fabulous
Exceptionally good, great, or wonderful. Used colloquially as a strong positive judgment.
EXAMPLE
Du siehst in diesem Kleid einfach fabelhaft aus!
You look simply fabulous in this dress!
fabelhaft
fabulous / legendary
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Meanings
fabelhaft
legendary / mythical
As if coming from a fable; legendary, mythical, or appearing unreal.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Buch wurden fabelhafte Wesen mit magischen Kräften beschrieben.
The old book described mythical beings with magical powers.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Fabel' (fable) and the ending '-haft' (-like). The ending '-haft' means 'like' or 'in the manner of,' so 'fabelhaft' literally means 'as if from a fable.'
EXAMPLE
Die Kostüme im Theaterstück waren wirklich fabelhaft gestaltet.
The costumes in the play were designed in a truly fabulous way.
Colloquial use
In the meaning 'großartig' (great), 'fabelhaft' is strong, often enthusiastic praise in colloquial language. It can have a slightly theatrical or very warm tone.
EXAMPLE
Wir hatten einen fabelhaften Abend im Restaurant.
We had a fabulous evening at the restaurant.
Typical collocations
When it means 'großartig' (great), 'fabelhaft' is often used to describe people, experiences, or impressions: 'fabelhaft aussehen' (to look fabulous), 'ein fabelhafter Urlaub' (a fabulous vacation), or 'sich fabelhaft fühlen' (to feel fabulous).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Schlaf fühle ich mich fabelhaft.
After the long sleep, I feel fabulous.
Context clue
You can recognize the literal meaning 'sagenhaft' (legendary/mythical) from the context. It is almost only used in connection with myths, fairy tales, or fantasy, for example in 'fabelhafte Wesen' (mythical beings) or 'fabelhafte Welten' (mythical worlds).
EXAMPLE
Drachen und Einhörner sind fabelhafte Kreaturen aus alten Legenden.
Dragons and unicorns are mythical creatures from old legends.
Compare with
fabelhaft vs unglaublich
incredible
Unglaublich and fabelhaft can both express a very positive judgment. Fabelhaft clearly means that something is exceptionally good. Unglaublich can also express enthusiasm, but additionally emphasizes that the performance or result is almost impossible to believe.
fabelhaft
Das Ergebnis des jungen Läufers ist fabelhaft, und sein Trainer ist sehr zufrieden.
The young runner's result is fabulous, and his coach is very pleased.
unglaublich
Das Ergebnis des jungen Läufers ist unglaublich, denn es übertrifft den bisherigen Rekord deutlich.
The young runner's result is incredible because it clearly beats the previous record.
In real life
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