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
positiv
positive
In a medical or scientific test, indicating the presence of a substance, disease, or characteristic being looked for.
EXAMPLE
Der Corona-Test war leider positiv.
Unfortunately, the COVID test was positive.
positiv
certain
Certain, beyond doubt, or actually given.
EXAMPLE
Ich weiß positiv, dass ich die Tür abgeschlossen habe.
I know for certain that I locked the door.
positiv
positive
In mathematics, describing a number that is greater than zero.
EXAMPLE
Die Zahl 5 ist eine positive ganze Zahl.
The number 5 is a positive whole number.
positiv
positive
In physics, describing an electric charge that results from a lack of electrons.
EXAMPLE
Ein Proton hat eine positive Ladung.
A proton has a positive charge.
positiv
positive
In grammar, the base form of an adjective or adverb, as opposed to the comparative and superlative.
EXAMPLE
„Gut“ ist die positive Form, „besser“ der Komparativ.
'Good' is the positive form, 'better' the comparative.
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 a favorable evaluation. Gut often assesses the overall quality of something. Positiv focuses more on a beneficial effect, development, or assessment. Gut therefore fits quality, while positiv is often used for a desired effect.
positiv
Die Chefin bewertet die Wirkung des Projekts auf das Team als positiv.
The manager rates the project's effect on the team as positive.
gut
Die Chefin bewertet die Qualität des Projekts als gut.
The manager rates the quality of the project as good.
In real life
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