kolossal
colossal
Exceptionally large or immense in its dimensions or scope.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Tempel stehen zwei kolossale Statuen aus Stein.
Two colossal stone statues stand in front of the temple.
kolossal
colossal
kolossal – kolossaler – am kolossalsten
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Meanings
kolossal
terrific
Informal: terrific or excellent.
EXAMPLE
Deine Idee ist einfach kolossal!
Your idea is simply terrific!
kolossal
tremendously
Informal intensifier: very or extremely.
EXAMPLE
Da hast du dich kolossal geirrt.
You were tremendously mistaken.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry kolossal, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | kolossal |
|---|---|
| comparative | kolossaler |
| superlative | am kolossalsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to kolossal.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to kolossal.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to kolossal.
Usage tips
Word family
'Kolossal' (colossal) belongs to the word family of 'Koloss' (colossus), a word for a huge statue or an exceptionally large figure. This connection is especially helpful for remembering the idea of enormous size.
EXAMPLE
Neben den kleinen Häusern wirkt der Koloss aus Stein wirklich kolossal.
Next to the small houses, the stone colossus looks truly colossal.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'exceptionally large', 'kolossal' (colossal) frequently occurs with nouns such as 'Statue' (statue), 'Gebäude' (building), 'Ausmaße' (dimensions), or 'Kraft' (strength). It primarily describes something that can be imagined as immense in its physical size or effect.
EXAMPLE
Das Bauwerk hat kolossale Ausmaße und ist schon von Weitem sichtbar.
The building has colossal dimensions and is visible from a long way away.
Informal praise
As praise, 'kolossal' (terrific) can be used predicatively or in fixed exclamations, for example after 'sein' (to be) or with 'finden' (to find). This use is informal and often refers to an idea, an achievement, or an experience.
EXAMPLE
Ich finde deinen Vorschlag kolossal.
I think your suggestion is terrific.
Intensifying use
As an intensifier, 'kolossal' (tremendously) often comes before verbs or adjectives and emphasizes a very strong degree. This use is informal; typical collocations include 'sich kolossal irren' (to be tremendously mistaken), 'kolossal enttäuscht sein' (to be tremendously disappointed), and 'kolossal wachsen' (to grow tremendously).
EXAMPLE
Die Reparaturkosten sind kolossal gestiegen.
The repair costs have increased tremendously.
In real life
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