ungemein
extremely
To a very high degree; extraordinarily, extremely. Used as an intensifying adverb.
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderung war ungemein anstrengend, aber die Aussicht hat sich gelohnt.
The hike was extremely strenuous, but the view was worth it.
ungemein
extremely
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'gemein', which here means 'ordinary'. So 'ungemein' literally means 'unusual' and is used as an intensifier in the sense of 'extraordinarily' or 'extremely'.
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert war ein ungemein beeindruckendes Erlebnis.
The concert was an extremely impressive experience.
Use as an adverb
'Ungemein' is used almost exclusively as an adverb to intensify adjectives or other adverbs. It stands directly before the word it intensifies. It is not used as a standalone predicate adjective.
EXAMPLE
Diese Aufgabe ist ungemein schwierig zu lösen.
This task is extremely difficult to solve.
Register and style
'Ungemein' belongs more to elevated written language or a more formal style. In everyday colloquial speech, other intensifiers such as 'sehr' (very), 'total' (totally), or 'echt' (really) are often preferred.
EXAMPLE
Die Autorin verfügt über ein ungemein breites Wissen.
The author has an extremely broad knowledge.
Compare with
ungemein vs unglaublich
incredible
Unglaublich and ungemein both intensify a quality in the sense of “very.” Unglaublich often also conveys emotion or astonishment, while ungemein can simply emphasize a high degree. For a more matter-of-fact intensifier, ungemein is therefore more suitable.
ungemein
Der Vortrag war ungemein hilfreich für die weitere Planung.
The presentation was extremely helpful for further planning.
unglaublich
Der Vortrag war unglaublich hilfreich, damit hatte ich nicht gerechnet.
The presentation was incredibly helpful; I hadn't expected that.
In real life
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