solid
Stable, firm, and made with good, durable quality. Often refers to physical things or workmanship.
EXAMPLE
Das Haus ist auf einem soliden Fundament gebaut.
The house is built on a solid foundation.
solid
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Meanings
solid
Reliable, well-founded, and well-supported. Often refers to abstract concepts such as finances, knowledge, or performance.
EXAMPLE
Er verfügt über solide Kenntnisse in der Mathematik.
He has solid knowledge of mathematics.
solid
Colloquial for 'okay', 'pretty good', or 'acceptable', but without being outstanding.
EXAMPLE
Die Leistung der Mannschaft war heute solid, aber nicht spektakulär.
The team's performance today was solid, but not spectacular.
Usage tips
Context clue
The noun that 'solid' describes reveals the meaning. With physical things like 'Fundament' (foundation) or 'Möbel' (furniture), it means 'stable'. With abstract things like 'Wissen' (knowledge) or 'Finanzen' (finances), it means 'well-founded' or 'sound'.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Schrank ist noch sehr solide gebaut.
The old cabinet is still very solidly built.
Typical collocations
In its physical meaning, 'solid' often describes things that are well made and durable. Typical combinations are 'ein solides Fundament' (a solid foundation), 'solides Handwerk' (solid craftsmanship), or 'eine solide Konstruktion' (a solid construction).
EXAMPLE
Für den Bau des Hauses wurden nur solide Materialien verwendet.
Only solid materials were used to build the house.
Typical collocations
In its abstract meaning, 'solid' describes something reliable and well-founded. Common combinations are 'solide Kenntnisse' (solid knowledge), 'eine solide Ausbildung' (a solid education), or 'solide Finanzen' (sound finances).
EXAMPLE
Eine solide Argumentation ist für die Debatte sehr wichtig.
A solid argument is very important for the debate.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'in Ordnung' (okay) or 'ganz gut' (pretty good) is colloquial. It describes a performance that is acceptable but not brilliant.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war solide, aber ich würde ihn nicht noch einmal ansehen.
The film was solid, but I wouldn't watch it again.
Compare with
solid vs ordentlich
neat / proper
“Ordentlich” and “solid” can describe a performance as acceptable or quite good. “Ordentlich” is the more common, neutral everyday assessment, while “solid” sounds more modern and colloquial. Both are possible; “solid” often emphasizes more strongly that the performance is reliable but not outstanding.
solid
Die Mannschaft hat heute ein solides Spiel gezeigt.
The team put in a solid performance today.
ordentlich
Die Mannschaft hat heute ein ordentliches Spiel gezeigt.
The team put in a decent performance today.
In real life
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