herrlich
wonderful
Very beautiful, wonderful, or magnificent; causing an intense feeling of pleasure.
EXAMPLE
Von der Bergspitze hatten wir eine herrliche Aussicht auf das Tal.
From the mountaintop, we had a wonderful view of the valley.
herrlich
wonderful
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Meanings
herrlich
wonderfully
Used as an adverb for emphasis, often also ironically, to express that something is especially typical or absurd.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben uns herrlich über den schlechten Film amüsiert.
We were wonderfully amused by the bad film.
Usage tips
Word family
'Herrlich' (wonderful) is derived from 'der Herr' (the lord / gentleman). Originally, it described something worthy of a lord — that is, splendid, noble, and magnificent.
EXAMPLE
Wir verbrachten einen herrlichen Nachmittag am See.
We spent a wonderful afternoon by the lake.
Typical collocations
'Herrlich' (wonderful) is often used to describe positive sensory impressions. Typical combinations are 'herrliches Wetter' (wonderful weather), 'eine herrliche Aussicht' (a wonderful view), or 'ein herrlicher Duft' (a wonderful scent).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung war das kalte Getränk eine herrliche Erfrischung.
After the long hike, the cold drink was a wonderful refreshment.
Ironic usage
As an adverb, 'herrlich' (wonderfully) can also be used ironically to emphasize a negative quality or an absurd situation. It then means something like 'especially' or 'typically'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Termin herrlich ignoriert und ist einfach nicht gekommen.
He wonderfully ignored the appointment and simply didn't show up.
Compare with
herrlich vs schön
beautiful / nice
Schön and herrlich can both ironically intensify a negative evaluation. Schön usually emphasizes the reproach, while herrlich is more likely to show that you also find the absurd result amusing. The exact effect also depends on the tone of voice and the context.
herrlich
Das hast du ja herrlich vermasselt.
You spectacularly messed that up.
schön
Das hast du ja schön vermasselt.
You really messed that up.
In real life
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