01
gut
good
Describes high quality, correct execution, or a positive characteristic.
example
Das ist ein wirklich gutes Buch.
That is a really good book.
gut
good
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adjective vs. adverb
When 'gut' (good) is an adjective that describes a noun, it is declined. When it is an adverb that describes a verb, it always remains unchanged in the form 'gut' (well).
EXAMPLE
Er hat mir einen guten Rat gegeben.
He gave me a good piece of advice.
Dative construction
To talk about well-being, the fixed expression 'es geht jemandem gut' (someone is doing well) is used. The person being talked about is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Wie geht es deinen Eltern?
How are your parents?
Quantity expression
In combination with an expression of time or measurement, 'gut' (a good) means something like 'at least' or 'a little more than'. It expresses a generously measured amount.
EXAMPLE
Die Fahrt zum Flughafen dauert eine gute halbe Stunde.
The drive to the airport takes a good half hour.
Colloquial use
The expression 'Ist ja gut' is used colloquially to end a discussion or calm someone down. Here it means 'enough' or 'all right'.
EXAMPLE
Ist ja gut, ich habe verstanden und werde es tun.
All right, that's enough, I understand and will do it.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'high quality', 'gut' (good) is often combined with nouns such as 'Arbeit' (work), 'Idee' (idea), 'Qualität' (quality), or 'Ergebnis' (result).
EXAMPLE
Das war eine wirklich gute Idee von dir.
That was a really good idea of yours.
Typical collocations
As an adverb, 'gut' (well) often describes activities such as 'schlafen' (to sleep), 'verstehen' (to understand), 'kennen' (to know), or 'funktionieren' (to work/function).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe letzte Nacht nicht gut geschlafen.
I didn't sleep well last night.
Typical collocations
When 'gut' means 'fitting' or 'suitable', it often appears with words such as 'Gelegenheit' (opportunity), 'Moment' (moment), 'Zeitpunkt' (point in time), or 'Preis' (price).
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine gute Gelegenheit, um Fragen zu stellen.
This is a good opportunity to ask questions.
Compare with
gut vs wohl
probably / well
'gut' and 'wohl' can both have to do with well-being. You can say: 'Ich fühle mich gut' (I feel good / well) or 'Ich fühle mich wohl' (I feel well / comfortable). 'gut' is more general and can also describe quality or doing something well. 'wohl' fits especially with a pleasant physical or emotional feeling, often in the phrase 'sich wohl fühlen' (to feel well / comfortable). Learners may confuse the words because both can fit when talking about health or feelings. Important: 'wohl' on its own can also mean 'probably', for example 'Er kommt wohl später' (He will probably come later). That is not the same as 'gut'.
gut
Nach der Pause kann sich meine Freundin wieder gut konzentrieren.
After the break, my friend can concentrate well again.
wohl
Nach dem Essen fühlt sich meine Freundin wieder wohl.
After the meal, my friend feels well again.
In real life
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