01
geil
awesome
Colloquial expression for great, cool, fantastic, or impressive.
example
Das Konzert gestern war richtig geil!
The concert yesterday was really awesome!
geil
awesome / horny
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register: colloquial language
The most common meanings of 'geil' ('awesome' and 'sexually aroused') are strongly colloquial. In formal, professional, or polite contexts, the word should be avoided because it can sound inappropriate or even vulgar.
EXAMPLE
Die Party war echt geil, wir hatten viel Spaß.
The party was really awesome; we had a lot of fun.
Context clue
Whether 'geil' is understood as 'awesome' or 'sexually aroused' depends heavily on the context. If it refers to a thing, an event, or an experience, it usually means 'awesome'. If it refers to a person and their sexual desire, the second meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Wow, du hast ein geiles Fahrrad!
Wow, you have an awesome bike!
Typical intensifiers
In the meaning 'awesome', 'geil' is often intensified by adverbs such as 'richtig' (really), 'total' (totally), 'voll' (totally), or 'mega' (mega/really) to express enthusiasm. These combinations are typical of youth language and informal conversations.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Album von der Band ist mega geil.
The band's new album is mega awesome.
Register: technical language
The botanical meaning of 'geil' is purely technical language. You will only hear or read it when the topic is plant care or biology. This meaning does not occur in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Die Pflanze ist geil gewachsen, weil sie zu wenig Licht bekommen hat.
The plant grew etiolated because it received too little light.
Compare with
geil vs super
super
'super' and 'geil' can both express that something is very good, great, or impressive. 'super' is colloquial, but unproblematic in many everyday situations. 'geil' is much more casual and very colloquial. Among friends it sounds natural; in formal situations or with people you do not know, it can seem too direct or inappropriate. If you want to sound more neutral, 'super' is usually safer. 'geil' fits better when the situation is relaxed.
geil
Das Konzert gestern war richtig geil.
The concert yesterday was really awesome.
super
Deine Idee für die Feier ist super.
Your idea for the party is super.
In real life
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