Completely without errors, flaws, or blemishes; perfect in every respect. Can refer to appearance, behavior, performance, or the condition of an object.
example
Sein Auftreten bei der Konferenz war tadellos.
His conduct at the conference was impeccable.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'der Tadel' (criticism/rebuke) and the ending '-los' (without). Something that is 'tadellos' (impeccable) is therefore literally 'without reproach' or without reason for criticism.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Arbeit war tadellos und wurde von allen gelobt.
Her work was impeccable and was praised by everyone.
Typical collocations
'Tadellos' (impeccable) often describes things for which high standards are expected. Common combinations are 'tadelloses Verhalten' (impeccable behavior), 'tadellose Kleidung' (impeccable clothing), 'tadellose Arbeit' (impeccable work), or an object 'in tadellosem Zustand' (in impeccable condition).
EXAMPLE
Für das Vorstellungsgespräch wählte er einen tadellosen Anzug.
For the job interview, he chose an impeccable suit.
Use as an adverb
'Tadellos' (impeccably) can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed. It then means 'perfectly' or 'without mistakes'.
EXAMPLE
Der Pianist spielte das schwierige Stück tadellos.
The pianist played the difficult piece impeccably.
Compare with
near_synonym
tadellos vs perfekt
perfect
'perfekt' and 'tadellos' are close in meaning because both can describe something without errors or flaws. 'perfekt' is very general and is used in everyday language for many things, including when something simply fits ideally. 'tadellos' sounds a bit more precise and often also somewhat more formal. It means that there is nothing to criticize, for example in a performance, behavior, appearance, or the condition of something.
tadellos
Nach der Reparatur funktioniert das Fahrrad wieder tadellos.