massenhaft
in large quantities
Present or occurring in a very large quantity or number.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturm lagen massenhaft Äste auf der Straße.
After the storm, there were branches lying in large quantities on the road.
massenhaft
massive / in large quantities
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'die Masse' (a large, unspecified quantity) and the ending '-haft' (-like). So it literally means 'in the manner of a mass'.
EXAMPLE
Im Herbst gibt es massenhaft Pilze im Wald.
In autumn, there are mushrooms in large quantities in the forest.
Use as an adverb
'Massenhaft' is very often used as an adverb and then remains unchanged in the sentence. It then means 'in large quantities'.
EXAMPLE
Für das neue Produkt gab es massenhaft Vorbestellungen.
There were huge numbers of preorders for the new product.
Register and style
The word belongs more to colloquial language and is often used for emphasis or exaggeration. It sounds stronger and more informal than 'sehr viele' (very many).
EXAMPLE
Auf der Party gab es massenhaft zu essen.
There was tons of food at the party.
Compare with
massenhaft vs zahlreich
numerous
Zahlreich and massenhaft can both describe a large number of people or things. Zahlreich mainly emphasizes that many individual units are present and sounds more neutral; massenhaft emphasizes the very large quantity and the sheer scale of their occurrence more strongly. Zahlreich fits a factual statement, while massenhaft is more appropriate for an overwhelming quantity.
massenhaft
Massenhaft Gäste warteten vor dem kleinen Eingang.
Huge numbers of guests were waiting outside the small entrance.
zahlreich
Zahlreiche Gäste warteten vor dem Eingang.
Numerous guests were waiting outside the entrance.
In real life
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