unendlich
infinite
Without end, without limits; not limited in extent, duration, or quantity.
EXAMPLE
Die Weite des Universums erscheint uns unendlich.
The vastness of the universe seems infinite to us.
unendlich
infinite
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Meanings
unendlich
incredibly
Used colloquially as an intensifier meaning 'very great', 'enormous', or 'extremely'.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe unendlich viel zu tun und weiß nicht, wo ich anfangen soll.
I have an incredible amount to do and don't know where to start.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is easy to understand if you analyze its structure: the prefix 'un-' means 'not', the root is 'Ende' (end), and '-lich' turns it into an adjective. 'Unendlich' therefore literally means 'without end'.
EXAMPLE
Die Liste der Aufgaben schien unendlich.
The list of tasks seemed infinite.
Context clue
The literal meaning 'without end' is often found in philosophical or scientific contexts. The colloquial meaning 'very' or 'enormously' is used as an intensifier before adjectives or with 'viel' (much/a lot).
EXAMPLE
Die unendliche Ausdehnung des Weltalls fasziniert die Menschen.
The infinite expanse of space fascinates people.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'unendlich' is often combined with abstract nouns that describe an extent or quantity. Typical examples are 'unendliche Weite' (infinite vastness), 'unendliche Liebe' (infinite love), or 'unendliche Möglichkeiten' (infinite possibilities).
EXAMPLE
Diese Software bietet unendliche Möglichkeiten zur Gestaltung.
This software offers infinite possibilities for design.
As an intensifier
In colloquial speech, 'unendlich' often serves as a strong intensifier like 'sehr' (very) or 'total' (totally). It then comes directly before an adjective or before 'viel' (much/a lot).
EXAMPLE
Der Film war unendlich langweilig.
The film was incredibly boring.
Compare with
unendlich vs ewig
eternal / ages
For a duration without an end, both ewig and unendlich can be appropriate. Ewig directly says that something continues forever. Unendlich more generally refers to the absence of a limit and can express forms of boundlessness other than duration as well.
unendlich
In der Vorstellung der Erzählerin setzt sich die Zeit unendlich fort.
In the narrator's imagination, time continues infinitely.
ewig
Der Legende nach soll dieses Licht ewig brennen.
According to legend, this light is supposed to burn forever.
In real life
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