01
rundum
completely
Completely, entirely, in every respect.
example
Es war ein rundum gelungener Abend.
It was a completely successful evening.
rundum
completely / all around
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
'Rundum' is made up of the words 'rund' (round) and 'um' (around). This origin explains both the spatial meaning ('ringsherum', all around) and the figurative meaning ('vollständig', completely; 'in jeder Hinsicht', in every respect).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben das Haus rundum renoviert.
We renovated the house completely.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If 'rundum' refers to an evaluation or a feeling, e.g. 'zufrieden' (satisfied) or 'gelungen' (successful), it means 'completely'. If it refers to a place, e.g. 'Haus' (house) or 'Garten' (garden), it means 'ringsherum' (all around).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin mit dem Ergebnis rundum zufrieden.
I am completely satisfied with the result.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'vollständig' (completely), 'rundum' often stands before positive adjectives or participles. Typical combinations are 'rundum zufrieden' (completely satisfied), 'rundum glücklich' (completely happy), or 'ein rundum gelungenes Fest' (a completely successful celebration).
EXAMPLE
Dank der guten Organisation war es ein rundum gelungenes Event.
Thanks to the good organization, it was a completely successful event.
Spatial description
In the spatial meaning, 'rundum' describes what surrounds something on all sides. It can stand alone or reinforce a preposition such as 'um' (around).
EXAMPLE
Von dem Turm aus hat man einen tollen Blick rundum.
From the tower, you have a great view all around.
Compare with
rundum vs völlig
completely
'völlig' and 'rundum' can both mean that something applies fully or completely. 'völlig' is very general and intensifies many different statements. 'rundum' is closer to 'in every respect' and fits especially when several sides or areas are meant. For example, you say 'völlig falsch' (completely wrong), but more likely 'rundum zufrieden' (completely satisfied) when everything about a situation is good. 'rundum' often sounds more positive and more comprehensive.
rundum
Nach dem Training war das Team rundum zufrieden mit dem Ergebnis.
After the training session, the team was completely satisfied with the result.
völlig
Zur Vorbereitung auf den Termin habe ich den Bericht völlig neu geschrieben.
To prepare for the appointment, I completely rewrote the report.
In real life
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