01
positiv
positive
Describes something good, desired, pleasant, or affirmative.
example
Wir haben eine sehr positive Rückmeldung auf unser Projekt erhalten.
We received very positive feedback on our project.
positiv
positive
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'positiv' (positive) depends heavily on context. In everyday language, it usually means 'good' or 'pleasing'. In a medical or scientific context, however, it means that a feature being looked for has been detected, which can often be bad news.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat eine sehr positive Ausstrahlung.
She has a very positive presence.
Technical meanings
In certain specialist fields, 'positiv' (positive) has a very precise meaning. In mathematics it describes numbers greater than zero, in physics a specific electric charge, and in grammar the base form of an adjective.
EXAMPLE
Das Ergebnis der Rechnung ist eine positive Zahl.
The result of the calculation is a positive number.
Typical collocations
In the general meaning of 'good' or 'desired', 'positiv' (positive) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are a positive attitude, a positive development, or a positive experience.
EXAMPLE
Eine positive Einstellung kann bei der Jobsuche helfen.
A positive attitude can help when looking for a job.
Comparison possible
Only in the general meaning of 'good' can 'positiv' (positive) be compared to express a higher degree. In the scientific or medical meanings, comparison is not possible.
EXAMPLE
Das war die positivste Erfahrung meines Lebens.
That was the most positive experience of my life.
Typical usage
In a medical context, the phrase 'positiv auf etwas getestet werden' (to test positive for something) is often used. The subject is the person, and the preposition 'auf' introduces the disease or substance.
EXAMPLE
Die Athletin wurde positiv auf Doping getestet.
The athlete tested positive for doping.
Adverbial use
In the meaning of 'certain' or 'without doubt', 'positiv' (positive) is used as an adverb and then usually stands directly with the verb. This usage is rather formal.
EXAMPLE
Ich weiß positiv, dass ich das Licht ausgemacht habe.
I know for certain that I turned off the light.
Compare with
positiv vs gut
good
'gut' and 'positiv' can both express that something is desired or pleasant. 'gut' is more general and very common in everyday language: 'ein gutes Essen' (a good meal), 'eine gute Idee' (a good idea), 'ein guter Tag' (a good day). 'positiv' often sounds a bit more objective and is often used for evaluations, feedback, developments, or attitudes. Important: In tests, 'positiv' only means that something was found. That is not always good news. Learners may confuse the words because 'positiv' often sounds like 'gut', but it works differently in medical or scientific contexts.
positiv
Die Lehrerin hat der Klasse nach dem Projekt eine positive Rückmeldung gegeben.
The teacher gave the class positive feedback after the project.
gut
Das Gespräch mit dem neuen Kunden lief gut.
The conversation with the new client went well.
In real life
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