Describes something as the best, most extreme, or final of its kind. It is often used to express an extreme or unsurpassed quality.
example
Für viele Gamer ist das hier das ultimate Spielerlebnis.
For many gamers, this is the ultimate gaming experience.
Usage tips
Register and style
This word is an Anglicism and is used mainly in youth language, marketing, or gaming. In formal or everyday language, it often sounds exaggerated.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Grafikkarte bietet die ultimate Performance.
The new graphics card offers ultimate performance.
Grammatical feature
Unlike most German adjectives, 'ultimate' is often not declined when it comes before a noun. It keeps its base form, especially in advertising slogans.
EXAMPLE
Erlebe den ultimate Fahrspaß!
Experience the ultimate driving fun!
Typical collocations
'Ultimate' is often combined with nouns that describe an experience, a performance, or a product. Typical combinations are 'das ultimate Erlebnis' (the ultimate experience), 'die ultimate Lösung' (the ultimate solution), or 'die ultimate Waffe' (the ultimate weapon, in gaming).
EXAMPLE
Diese Software ist die ultimate Lösung für all Ihre Probleme.
This software is the ultimate solution for all your problems.
Compare with
near_synonym
ultimate vs letzt
last
'letzt' and 'ultimate' can both have to do with an end or a highest point. 'letzt' is the normal German word for something that comes at the end of a sequence. It does not evaluate the thing. 'ultimate' sounds modern and often promotional. It means more that something is the best, most extreme, or final of its kind. So you say 'der letzte Platz' (the last place) in a sequence, but 'der ultimate Guide' (the ultimate guide) when something is presented as especially complete or especially good.
ultimate
Für Fans ist dieses Buch der ultimate Reiseführer durch die Stadt.
For fans, this book is the ultimate travel guide to the city.
letzt
Wenn alle Aufgaben fertig sind, kommt der letzte Test.
When all the tasks are finished, the last test comes next.