ultimativ
ultimate
The best, most extreme, or definitive thing in a particular category; impossible to surpass.
EXAMPLE
Für viele Gamer ist dies das ultimative Spielerlebnis.
For many gamers, this is the ultimate gaming experience.
ultimativ
ultimate
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Meanings
ultimativ
ultimatum-like
Containing a final, definitive demand or condition, after whose rejection certain consequences follow.
EXAMPLE
Der Vermieter stellte die ultimative Forderung, die ausstehende Miete sofort zu zahlen.
The landlord made the ultimatum-like demand that the overdue rent be paid immediately.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'ultimativ' (ultimate) is closely related to the noun 'das Ultimatum' (the ultimatum). Both come from the Latin word 'ultimus', which means 'the last'. This explains both meanings: the last, final demand and the final, best example of its kind.
EXAMPLE
Er stellte ein Ultimatum, das nicht ignoriert werden konnte.
He issued an ultimatum that could not be ignored.
Context: the best
In the meaning 'das Beste' (the best), 'ultimativ' (ultimate) is often used in advertising, in the media, or in colloquial speech to describe something as unbeatable. It often has a promotional or exaggerated tone.
EXAMPLE
Der Hersteller verspricht das ultimative Reinigungsergebnis.
The manufacturer promises the ultimate cleaning result.
Context: final demand
In the meaning 'endgültig' (final), 'ultimativ' (ultimatum-like) usually appears with nouns such as 'Forderung' (demand), 'Bedingung' (condition), or 'Warnung' (warning). The context is often formal and expresses that there is no further possibility for negotiation.
EXAMPLE
Die Gewerkschaft überreichte dem Arbeitgeber eine ultimative Forderung.
The union presented the employer with an ultimatum-like demand.
Compare with
ultimativ vs extrem
extreme
Extrem describes a demand or position as particularly far-reaching. Ultimativ goes beyond this: the word signals that it is the final demand or condition and that rejecting it may have consequences. Use extrem for the extent, and ultimativ for the final nature.
ultimativ
Die Forderung nach einer sofortigen Reform ist ultimativ und lässt keinen weiteren Vorschlag zu.
The demand for immediate reform is final and leaves no room for another proposal.
extrem
Die Forderung nach einer sofortigen Reform ist extrem weitgehend.
The demand for immediate reform is extremely far-reaching.
In real life
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