01
genug
enough
To a sufficient degree or in a sufficient amount; as much as necessary.
example
Wir haben nicht genug Stühle für alle Gäste.
We don't have enough chairs for all the guests.
genug
enough
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word order
The position of 'genug' (enough) depends on the word it describes. It comes BEFORE a noun, but AFTER an adjective or adverb. This difference is very important for correct sentences.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe nicht genug Zeit.
I don't have enough time.
Fixed expression with dative
The idiom 'genug haben von' (to have had enough of) expresses that someone is tired of something. The thing they no longer like is always in the dative after the preposition 'von'.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe genug von dem Lärm.
I've had enough of the noise.
Construction with 'um ... zu'
'Genug' is very often used in a construction with 'um ... zu'. This describes what an amount or degree is sufficient for.
EXAMPLE
Er ist alt genug, um allein zu reisen.
He is old enough to travel alone.
Use as an exclamation
As a single exclamation, 'Genug!' is a command to stop doing something. It means something like 'Stop!' or 'That's enough!' and is often said emphatically.
EXAMPLE
Genug! Ich will davon nichts mehr hören.
Enough! I don't want to hear anything more about it.
Compare with
genug vs zu
to / too / closed
'zu' and 'genug' often appear with quantities or degrees and form an important contrast. 'genug' means that something is sufficient, that is, as much as necessary. 'zu' means that something is above the appropriate level and therefore often a problem. They can be confused because both say whether an amount or intensity is right. A practical rule: 'genug' is suitable or sufficient; 'zu' is excessive or no longer suitable.
genug
Für die Suppe haben wir genug Gemüse gekauft.
We bought enough vegetables for the soup.
zu
Der Koffer ist zu schwer, deshalb kann ich ihn nicht tragen.
The suitcase is too heavy, so I can't carry it.
In real life
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