riesig
huge
Exceptionally large in dimensions, extent, or amount.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen hat einen riesigen Gewinn gemacht.
The company made a huge profit.
riesig
huge
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Meanings
riesig
hugely
Used colloquially as an intensifier meaning 'very', 'enormously', or 'great'.
EXAMPLE
Ich freue mich riesig, dich wiederzusehen!
I'm hugely excited to see you again!
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'riesig' (huge) is derived from the noun 'der Riese' (a giant, a very large person in fairy tales). So it literally means 'like a giant' or 'gigantic'.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Schloss stand eine riesige Eiche.
A huge oak tree stood in front of the castle.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'riesig' (huge) is often combined with abstract or concrete nouns to emphasize their large extent. Common examples are: 'ein riesiger Erfolg' (a huge success), 'ein riesiges Problem' (a huge problem), 'eine riesige Menge' (a huge amount), or 'ein riesiger Unterschied' (a huge difference).
EXAMPLE
Der finanzielle Schaden durch den Sturm war riesig.
The financial damage caused by the storm was huge.
Use as an intensifier
In colloquial speech, 'riesig' (huge/hugely) is often used like an adverb to intensify feelings or impressions. It then simply means 'very' or 'enormously'.
EXAMPLE
Wir hatten im Urlaub riesig Spaß.
We had huge fun on vacation.
Compare with
riesig vs sehr
very
Sehr and riesig can express a high degree of intensity. Sehr can generally be used as an intensifier, whereas riesig is colloquial in this function and sounds natural only with certain expressions. With Freude (joy), both are possible, but riesig sounds more vivid.
riesig
Ich habe mich riesig über deinen Besuch gefreut.
I was hugely happy about your visit.
sehr
Ich habe mich sehr über deinen Besuch gefreut.
I was very happy about your visit.
In real life
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