genau
exactly
As an adverb: exactly, precisely, right on the mark.
EXAMPLE
Das ist genau das, was ich gemeint habe.
That is exactly what I meant.
genau
exact / precise
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Meanings
genau
exact / precise
As an adjective: exact, precise, careful, and without errors.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Arbeit brauchen wir eine genaue Messung.
For this work, we need a precise measurement.
genau
exactly
As a particle or interjection: expresses agreement or confirmation; means 'richtig' (right) or 'stimmt' (that's correct).
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns also morgen um zehn? - Genau!
So we're meeting tomorrow at ten? - Exactly!
Usage tips
Adjective or adverb
'Genau' can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an unchanging adverb. As an adjective, it is declined; as an adverb, it always stays the same.
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine genaue Kopie des Originals.
That is an exact copy of the original.
As an agreeing answer
In conversation, 'Genau!' is very commonly used as a short, confirming answer. It means 'Richtig!' (Right!) or 'Das stimmt exakt!' (That's exactly correct!) and can stand on its own.
EXAMPLE
Du meinst also, wir sollten den anderen Weg nehmen? – Genau!
So you mean we should take the other way? – Exactly!
Typical combinations
As an adverb for emphasis, 'genau' often stands directly before the word it specifies. Common combinations are 'genau das' (exactly that), 'genau hier' (right here), 'genau so' (exactly like that), or 'genau richtig' (exactly right).
EXAMPLE
Das ist genau der Pullover, den ich kaufen wollte.
That is exactly the sweater I wanted to buy.
Typical combinations
As an adjective, 'genau' often describes things that require precision. Typical combinations are 'eine genaue Beschreibung' (a precise description), 'genaue Anweisungen' (precise instructions), or 'eine genaue Uhrzeit' (an exact time).
EXAMPLE
Für die Montage brauchen wir eine genaue Anleitung.
For the assembly, we need precise instructions.
Compare with
genau vs richtig
correct / right
Genau and richtig can express agreement in a short reply. Richtig mainly evaluates a statement as accurate or free of errors, while genau more strongly confirms that it precisely addresses the point meant. Richtig fits a factual correction, while genau is often used when there is exact agreement.
genau
Genau, der Termin beginnt um neun Uhr.
Exactly, the appointment starts at nine.
richtig
Richtig, der Termin beginnt um neun Uhr.
Correct, the appointment starts at nine.
In real life
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