01
gänzlich
entirely
Fully, completely, in every respect. It is a more formal variant of 'ganz' (quite/whole).
example
Nach dem Umbau wirkte der Raum gänzlich verändert.
After the renovation, the room looked entirely changed.
gänzlich
entirely
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
'Gänzlich' (entirely) is derived from the adjective and adverb 'ganz' (whole/quite). The ending '-lich' forms an adverb here that strengthens the meaning of 'ganz' in the sense of 'vollständig' (completely) and makes it more formal.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin nicht gänzlich deiner Meinung, aber ich verstehe deinen Punkt.
I don't entirely agree with you, but I understand your point.
Formal style
'Gänzlich' (entirely) is a more formal and often written variant of 'ganz' (quite) or 'komplett' (complete). It is used less often in everyday spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Theorie wurde durch neue Erkenntnisse gänzlich widerlegt.
The old theory was entirely refuted by new findings.
Use in a sentence
As an adverb, 'gänzlich' (entirely) usually stands directly before the word it describes, often an adjective or participle. It emphasizes that something is the case completely or without exception.
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine gänzlich neue Situation für uns.
This is an entirely new situation for us.
Typical collocations
'Gänzlich' (entirely) is often combined with adjectives like 'neu' (new), 'anders' (different), 'unbekannt' (unknown), or with verbs like 'fehlen' (to be missing) and 'ausschließen' (to rule out), in order to emphasize a complete change.
EXAMPLE
Die Methode ist mir gänzlich unbekannt.
The method is entirely unfamiliar to me.
Compare with
gänzlich vs ganz
whole / quite
'ganz' and 'gänzlich' can both mean that something is completely or entirely the case. 'ganz' is much more common and works very well in everyday language. Depending on the sentence, however, it can also mean only 'quite', for example 'ganz gut' (quite good). 'gänzlich' is clearer in the sense of 'completely' and sounds more formal. Learners may confuse the words because 'gänzlich' often feels like a stronger form of 'ganz'. In everyday speech, people usually say 'ganz'; in more formal texts, or when you want to emphasize 'completely', 'gänzlich' fits better.
gänzlich
Nach der Prüfung war die Angst gänzlich verschwunden.
After the exam, the fear had disappeared entirely.
ganz
Nach dem langen Tag war ich ganz müde.
After the long day, I was very tired.
In real life
Loading video examples...