01
ganz
completely / very
As an adverb, it intensifies an adjective or another adverb and means “completely,” “entirely,” or “very.”
example
Das ist eine ganz andere Situation.
That is a completely different situation.
ganz
whole / quite
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Two uses
'Ganz' has two main functions, which you can recognize from the grammar. If it appears before an adjective or adverb, it is an invariable adverb. If it appears before a noun, it is an adjective and is declined.
EXAMPLE
Das Essen war ganz lecker.
The food was quite tasty.
Intensification
When 'ganz' appears before an adjective or adverb, it intensifies its meaning. It then means “very,” “entirely,” or “completely” and is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein ganz neues Problem.
That is a completely new problem.
Always declined
In the meaning of “whole” or “complete,” 'ganz' stands directly before a noun (often with an article). In this case, it must always be declined like a normal adjective.
EXAMPLE
Die ganze Familie fährt in den Urlaub.
The whole family is going on vacation.
Weakening
In spoken language, 'ganz' can slightly weaken a positive statement. 'Der Film ist ganz gut' (The film is quite good) often means that it is okay, but not fantastic.
EXAMPLE
Ich finde das Design ganz schön, aber ich würde es nicht kaufen.
I think the design is quite nice, but I wouldn't buy it.
Sentence structure
In the meaning of “undamaged,” 'ganz' is usually used with the verbs 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain) and appears at the end of the sentence or clause. In this form, it is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Mein Handy ist heruntergefallen, aber es ist zum Glück ganz geblieben.
My phone fell down, but fortunately it remained intact.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ganz und gar' (absolutely, entirely) is a fixed unit used for strong emphasis and means “absolutely” or “completely.” It is often used in negations to strengthen a rejection.
EXAMPLE
Damit bin ich ganz und gar nicht einverstanden.
I absolutely do not agree with that.
Compare with
ganz vs all
all
'all' and 'ganz' can both express something complete. You use 'all' when you mean every person, every thing, or the entire amount, for example 'alle Gäste' (all guests) or 'alles Wasser' (all the water). 'ganz' is more suitable when you mean a single thing or an area as a complete whole, for example 'das ganze Haus' (the whole house) or 'den ganzen Tag' (the whole day). Learners often confuse the words because both have to do with 'complete'. A good memory aid is: 'alle' counts the members of a group, while 'ganz' sees something as one complete unit.
ganz
Laura hat den ganzen Nachmittag im Garten gelesen.
Laura spent the whole afternoon reading in the garden.
all
Alle Schüler haben die Aufgabe rechtzeitig abgegeben.
All the students handed in the assignment on time.
In real life
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