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ordentlich
neat
Tidy, clean, and well organized. The opposite of messy or chaotic.
example
Sein Schreibtisch ist immer sehr ordentlich.
His desk is always very neat.
ordentlich
neat / proper
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'ordentlich' (neat/proper) is derived from the noun 'die Ordnung' (order). Everything that is 'ordentlich' has some form of order or structure.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem sie aufgeräumt hatte, war ihr Zimmer wieder ordentlich.
After she had tidied up, her room was neat again.
Context clue
The meaning of 'ordentlich' depends strongly on the context. If it refers to a room, it means 'aufgeräumt' (tidy). If it comes before a noun like 'Spaß' (fun) or 'Hunger' (hunger), it means 'viel' (a lot). In formal documents, it often means 'regelkonform' (compliant with the rules).
EXAMPLE
Bitte füllen Sie das Formular ordentlich aus.
Please fill out the form properly.
Colloquial intensifier
In colloquial speech, 'ordentlich' is often used as an adverb to intensify an amount or degree. It then means 'sehr' (very) or 'viel' (a lot) and is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Das hat ordentlich Geld gekostet.
That cost quite a lot of money.
Fixed combinations
In formal or legal contexts, 'ordentlich' is part of fixed terms. Examples are 'ordentliches Mitglied' (full member) or 'ordentlicher Professor' (full professor/chair holder).
EXAMPLE
Er wurde zum ordentlichen Professor an der Universität berufen.
He was appointed full professor at the university.
Compare with
ordentlich vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'ordentlich' can both express strong intensity. 'sehr' is neutral and can be used with many adjectives, adverbs, and some verbs. 'ordentlich' in this meaning is colloquial and means roughly 'quite strongly' or 'quite a lot'. It fits especially well when something is noticeable or clear, for example with work, rain, hunger, or effort. Important: 'ordentlich' can also mean 'neat' or 'proper'. As an intensifier, it sounds more casual than 'sehr'.
ordentlich
Beim Umzug haben wir ordentlich geschwitzt.
We worked up quite a sweat during the move.
sehr
Ich bin heute sehr konzentriert, weil die Prüfung bald beginnt.
I am very focused today because the exam is about to start.
In real life
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