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
gut
well
Used as an adverb to describe the manner of an action as positive or skillful; a synonym of 'wohl' (well).
EXAMPLE
Sie kann sehr gut Klavier spielen.
She can play the piano very well.
gut
well
Describes physical or emotional well-being.
EXAMPLE
Danke der Nachfrage, mir geht es gut.
Thanks for asking, I'm doing well.
gut
good
Describes something as morally right, decent, or kind.
EXAMPLE
Es war eine gute Tat, dem alten Mann zu helfen.
It was a good deed to help the old man.
gut
good
Describes something as fitting, suitable, or favorable.
EXAMPLE
Jetzt ist ein guter Zeitpunkt für eine Pause.
Now is a good time for a break.
gut
a good
Describes a considerable, often unexpectedly large amount or duration; almost a generous amount.
EXAMPLE
Wir mussten eine gute Stunde auf den Bus warten.
We had to wait a good hour for the bus.
gut sein
that's enough
A colloquial expression meaning 'enough' and often used to end a discussion or action.
EXAMPLE
Ist ja gut, du musst dich nicht weiter rechtfertigen.
All right, that's enough, you don't need to justify yourself any further.
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 describe a pleasant state when used with sich fühlen. Gut gives a generally positive assessment of someone’s physical or emotional well-being; wohl emphasizes more strongly that someone feels comfortable and at ease. Gut fits a general improvement, while wohl is especially suitable for personal comfort.
gut
Nach der Behandlung fühlt Lea sich wieder gut.
After the treatment, Lea feels well again.
wohl
In dem ruhigen Zimmer fühlt Lea sich wohl.
Lea feels comfortable in the quiet room.
In real life
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