01
tierisch
very
Colloquial for 'very' or 'enormously'; used as an intensifier.
example
Ich habe mich tierisch über deinen Besuch gefreut.
I was really happy about your visit.
tierisch
animal / very
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'tierisch' (animal / very) is derived from the noun 'das Tier' (the animal). The ending '-isch' means 'in the manner of' or 'relating to'.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein typisch tierisches Verhalten.
That is typical animal behavior.
Context clue
When 'tierisch' comes as an adverb before another adjective or a verb, it usually means the colloquial 'very'. When it comes directly before a noun, it often refers to origin from animals.
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert gestern war tierisch laut.
The concert yesterday was really loud.
Colloquial intensifier
In colloquial speech, 'tierisch' is very often used as a synonym for 'sehr' (very) or 'enorm' (enormously) to intensify feelings or qualities. This use is informal.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich tierisch geärgert, als der Bus ohne mich abgefahren ist.
I got really annoyed when the bus left without me.
Factual context
In the meaning 'coming from an animal', 'tierisch' is used in factual and scientific contexts, for example in biology or when describing food.
EXAMPLE
Tierisches Eiweiß ist in Fleisch, Eiern und Milch enthalten.
Animal protein is found in meat, eggs, and milk.
Compare with
tierisch vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'tierisch' can both be used as intensifiers. 'sehr' is neutral and fits in almost any situation. 'tierisch' colloquially means 'very' or 'enormously' and sounds casual, emotional, and more typical of spoken language. It is often used with feelings or evaluations, for example when someone is very excited or finds something very exhausting. In formal texts or polite conversations, 'sehr' is more natural. 'tierisch' also has other meanings related to animals, but in this relation the focus is on the colloquial intensifier.
tierisch
Am Abend freuen wir uns tierisch auf das Konzert.
In the evening, we're really excited about the concert.
sehr
Ida ist heute sehr nervös wegen des Termins.
Ida is very nervous today because of the appointment.
In real life
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