01
total
totally
Colloquially as an adverb for emphasis: very, completely, absolutely.
example
Ich bin heute total müde.
I'm totally tired today.
total
totally / total
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adjective or adverb?
'Total' can have two roles in a sentence. As an adjective before a noun, it is declined and means 'complete'. As an invariable adverb before another adjective, it colloquially means 'very'.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war ein totaler Erfolg.
The film was a total success.
Common mistake
When 'total' is used as an intensifier (adverb) before an adjective, it is not declined. A common source of errors is incorrectly inflecting it like an adjective.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein total schönes Kleid.
That is a totally beautiful dress.
Colloquial use
In the meaning of 'very' or 'completely', 'total' is a very common word in spoken language and informal texts. It is used to emotionally intensify a statement.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe das total vergessen!
I totally forgot that!
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'complete' or 'entire', 'total' is often used in more formal or factual contexts. Typical combinations are 'totaler Schaden' (total loss), 'totale Kontrolle' (total control), or 'der totale Betrag' (the total amount).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall hatte das Auto einen totalen Schaden.
After the accident, the car was a total loss.
Compare with
total vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'total' can both make a statement stronger. In colloquial speech, 'total' often means 'very', 'completely', or 'absolutely'. 'sehr' is more neutral and also fits in formal situations. 'total' sounds stronger and more emotional, but also more casual. In conversations, 'total' is natural; in factual texts, 'sehr' is usually more appropriate.
total
Nach dem Ausflug waren die Kinder total müde.
After the trip, the children were totally tired.
sehr
Heute brauche ich für das Projekt sehr klare Informationen.
Today I need very clear information for the project.
In real life
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