incredible
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incredible
So extraordinary, great, or extreme that it is hard to believe. Can be used both positively and negatively.
Er hat eine unglaubliche Willensstärke bewiesen und das Rennen trotz Verletzung beendet.
He showed incredible willpower and finished the race despite being injured.
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' (not), the stem of 'glauben' (to believe), and the ending '-lich'. Something that is 'unglaublich' (incredible) is therefore literally 'not to be believed'.
Er erzählte uns eine unglaubliche Geschichte von seiner Reise.
He told us an incredible story about his trip.
Especially in colloquial language, 'unglaublich' (incredible/incredibly) is often used like 'sehr' (very) or 'extrem' (extremely) to intensify another adjective. It then stands directly before that adjective.
Die Aussicht vom Berggipfel war unglaublich schön.
The view from the mountaintop was incredibly beautiful.
In its literal meaning, 'unglaublich' (incredible) can describe something very positive (amazing) as well as something very negative (shocking). The context makes clear what is meant.
Sie hat mit unglaublich viel Mut gehandelt.
She acted with incredible courage.
very
'sehr' and 'unglaublich' can both make an adjective or adverb stronger. 'sehr' is neutral and almost always fits: 'sehr schön' (very beautiful), 'sehr schnell' (very fast), 'sehr müde' (very tired). 'unglaublich' sounds stronger and often more emotional. You use it when something seems especially large, strong, or surprising. In many everyday sentences, 'unglaublich' can work like 'sehr', but it sounds less calm and a bit more colloquial.
Das neue Fahrrad war unglaublich teuer.
The new bicycle was incredibly expensive.
Der Himmel ist heute Abend sehr klar.
The sky is very clear this evening.