01
sehr
very
Intensifies the meaning of an adjective or adverb and means 'to a high degree'.
example
Der Film war sehr spannend.
The film was very exciting.
sehr
very
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
English-speaking learners often incorrectly use 'so' to intensify adjectives. In German, `sehr` is the neutral word for 'to a high degree' (very).
EXAMPLE
Das Essen schmeckt sehr gut.
The food tastes very good.
Position in the sentence
As an adverb of intensification, `sehr` (very) stands directly before the adjective or adverb it modifies. It cannot stand between the article and the adjective.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein sehr altes Haus.
That is a very old house.
Intensifying verbs
When `sehr` (very/greatly) intensifies a verb or a feeling connected with a verb, it usually stands at the end of the sentence or after the direct object.
EXAMPLE
Ich danke Ihnen sehr für Ihre Hilfe.
I thank you very much for your help.
Typical collocations
`sehr` (very/greatly) is often used with verbs that express feelings or appreciation. Typical combinations are `sich sehr freuen` (to be very happy), `sehr lieben` (to love very much), `sehr danken` (to thank very much), or `sich sehr wundern` (to be very surprised).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich sehr über dein Geschenk gefreut.
I was very happy about your gift.
Compare with
sehr vs etwas
something / somewhat
'etwas' and 'sehr' can both describe the degree of a quality or feeling. The difference is in the strength. 'etwas' means 'a little' and makes a statement weaker. 'sehr' strongly intensifies a statement. For example, you say 'etwas müde' (somewhat tired) when the tiredness is only slight, and 'sehr müde' (very tired) when it is strong.
sehr
Ich freue mich sehr auf die Reise morgen.
I am very much looking forward to the trip tomorrow.
etwas
Nach dem langen Termin ist Herr Meier etwas müde.
After the long appointment, Mr. Meier is somewhat tired.
In real life
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