gewaltig
huge
Of very great size, strength, or intensity; enormous or impressive.
EXAMPLE
Der Elefant hinterließ gewaltige Spuren im weichen Boden.
The elephant left huge tracks in the soft ground.
gewaltig
huge / tremendous
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
gewaltig
tremendously
Used as an adverb to intensify an action or quality; very, extraordinarily.
EXAMPLE
Seit unserem letzten Treffen hast du dich aber gewaltig verändert.
You've changed tremendously since our last meeting.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'gewaltig' (huge/tremendous) is derived from the noun 'die Gewalt' in the sense of 'power' or 'force'. So it describes something that has the size or effect of a great force, and does not mean 'violent'.
EXAMPLE
Der Sturm hatte eine gewaltige Kraft.
The storm had tremendous force.
Use as an adverb
'Gewaltig' (tremendously) can be used like an adverb to intensify a verb or another adjective. In this function, it means colloquially 'very' or 'enormously'.
EXAMPLE
Du hast dich seit unserem letzten Treffen gewaltig verändert.
You've changed tremendously since our last meeting.
Typical collocations
As an adjective, 'gewaltig' (huge) often describes things of great scale. Common combinations are 'ein gewaltiger Unterschied' (a huge difference), 'ein gewaltiger Druck' (tremendous pressure), or 'eine gewaltige Aufgabe' (a huge task).
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Meinungen gibt es einen gewaltigen Unterschied.
There is a huge difference between the two opinions.
Compare with
gewaltig vs heftig
violent / intense
Heftig and gewaltig can describe a very strong storm. Heftig emphasizes its intensity or sudden force. Gewaltig focuses more on the storm's enormous overall scale, such as its size or exceptional strength.
gewaltig
Ein gewaltiger Sturm erstreckte sich über die gesamte Küste und war noch weit im Landesinneren zu spüren.
A massive storm stretched along the entire coast and could still be felt far inland.
heftig
Ein heftiger Sturm traf plötzlich die Stadt und riss Äste von den Bäumen.
A violent storm suddenly hit the city and tore branches from the trees.
In real life
Loading video examples...