phenomenal
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phenomenal
Exceptionally good, impressive, or outstanding. Used colloquially as a strong positive adjective to describe performances, events, or qualities.
Sie hat bei der Prüfung ein phänomenales Ergebnis erzielt.
She achieved a phenomenal result on the exam.
The adjective 'phänomenal' (phenomenal) is derived directly from the noun 'das Phänomen' (phenomenon). A phenomenon is an extraordinary occurrence or appearance, so 'phänomenal' originally means 'relating to an appearance' or, by extension, 'extraordinary'.
Nordlichter sind ein faszinierendes Naturphänomen.
The northern lights are a fascinating natural phenomenon.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'phänomenal' (phenomenal) from the context. In everyday conversations, it almost always means 'great' or 'outstanding'. In a scientific or philosophical text, it refers to the perception of appearances.
Dein Kuchen schmeckt phänomenal!
Your cake tastes phenomenal!
In its colloquial meaning, 'phänomenal' (phenomenal) is very often used as an adverb to intensify a verb or another adjective. It expresses great enthusiasm.
Die Band hat gestern Abend phänomenal gut gespielt.
The band played phenomenally well last night.
The meaning 'relating to an appearance' belongs exclusively to specialized language, especially philosophy. You will not hear this use in everyday speech.
Die Studie untersucht das phänomenale Bewusstsein bei Tieren.
The study examines phenomenal consciousness in animals.
average
'durchschnittlich' and 'phänomenal' are opposites in terms of evaluation. 'durchschnittlich' describes something average that is neither especially good nor especially bad. 'phänomenal' is much stronger and very positive: it describes something that is impressive or exceptionally good. 'durchschnittlich' sounds factual and rather neutral. 'phänomenal' is used when you want to show enthusiasm.
Das Konzert gestern Abend war phänomenal.
The concert last night was phenomenal.
Das Hotel war sauber, aber der Service war nur durchschnittlich.
The hotel was clean, but the service was only average.