ultra
Expresses an extreme intensification; means 'very', 'extremely', or 'excessively'. It is often used colloquially.
EXAMPLE
Die Party gestern war ultra cool.
The party yesterday was ultra cool.
ultra
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Meanings
ultra
Refers to the Ultra movement, a group of especially fanatical and organized supporters of a sports team, particularly in football/soccer.
EXAMPLE
Die Choreografie in der Fankurve wurde von der Ultra-Szene organisiert.
The choreography in the fan section was organized by the Ultra scene.
Usage tips
Register: colloquial language
In the meaning of 'sehr' (very) or 'extrem' (extremely), 'ultra' belongs to youth language and colloquial speech. It is usually avoided in formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Videospiel ist ultra schwer.
The new video game is ultra hard.
Sentence structure and usage
As an intensifier, 'ultra' stands directly before the adjective or adverb that it intensifies. It is not declined, so its form does not change.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war ultra spannend.
The film was ultra exciting.
Context clue
If 'ultra' appears before an adjective like 'gut' (good) or 'schnell' (fast), it means 'extremely'. In the context of sports and fans, often as a noun ('die Ultras') or in words like 'Ultra-Szene' (Ultra scene), it refers to fanatical supporters.
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert war ultra laut.
The concert was ultra loud.
Compare with
ultra vs extrem
extreme
Both words can express strong intensification. „Extrem“ is a regular adjective and can be grammatically adapted to a noun, whereas „ultra“ is usually colloquial and remains unchanged when used as an intensifier. Use „extrem“ in neutral or more formal statements as well, and „ultra“ in casual language.
ultra
Das war eine ultra schwierige Aufgabe.
That was an ultra-difficult task.
extrem
Das war eine extrem schwierige Aufgabe.
That was an extremely difficult task.
In real life
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