01
irre
crazy
Colloquial for crazy, insane, or unreasonable. Can refer to people or actions.
example
Du bist doch irre, bei diesem Sturm nach draußen zu gehen!
You must be crazy to go outside in this storm!
irre
crazy / awesome
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'irre' is related to 'der Irrtum' (mistake) and the verb 'irren' (to be mistaken, to wander around). The original meaning of having gone off the right path developed into today's colloquial meaning 'verrückt' (crazy).
EXAMPLE
Er irrte stundenlang durch den Wald.
He wandered through the forest for hours.
Colloquial use
The meanings 'verrückt' (crazy), 'sehr' (very), and 'großartig' (great) are almost exclusively part of colloquial language. In formal or written contexts, the word is usually avoided.
EXAMPLE
Die Party gestern war der irre Wahnsinn!
The party yesterday was totally insanely awesome!
Intensifying adverb
As an adverb, 'irre' is placed before an adjective or another adverb to intensify it. In this function, it is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war irre spannend.
The film was extremely exciting.
Context clue
Whether 'irre' means something negative ('verrückt' = crazy) or positive ('großartig' = great) depends on the context. If it refers to a risky action, it is usually negative. If it describes a thing or an experience, it is often positive.
EXAMPLE
Ein irre gefährlicher Plan!
An insanely dangerous plan!
Elevated meaning
The meaning 'falsch' (wrong) or 'im Irrtum' (mistaken) is outdated and is now only used in very elevated language or in literary texts. It is often found in the fixed expression 'irre sein' (to be mistaken).
EXAMPLE
Der Gelehrte erkannte, dass seine bisherige Theorie irre war.
The scholar realized that his previous theory was mistaken.
Compare with
irre vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'irre' can both intensify something. 'sehr' is neutral and fits in almost any context, including school, work, or formal situations. 'irre' is colloquial and sounds stronger and more emotional. As an intensifier, 'irre' means roughly 'very' or 'extremely'. If you want to write in a factual or polite way, 'sehr' is safer. Among friends, 'irre' often sounds more natural when you want to show enthusiasm or strong feelings.
irre
Im Gespräch war ich irre nervös und habe fast kein Wort gesagt.
During the conversation, I was extremely nervous and barely said a word.
sehr
Mein Vater ist sehr stolz auf seine Familie.
My father is very proud of his family.
In real life
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