primordial / very
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primordial
A prefix used to indicate the origin, the oldest form, or the beginning of something. It means something like 'original', 'ancient', or 'at the very beginning'.
Der Urwald ist ein seit Jahrhunderten unberührtes Waldgebiet.
The primeval forest is a forest area that has been untouched for centuries.
The meaning of 'ur' depends on its position in the sentence. As a prefix before a noun (e.g. 'Urwald' — primeval forest), it means 'original' or 'ancient'. If it stands as its own word before an adjective (e.g. 'ur gut'), it is colloquial for 'very'.
Die Urgroßeltern meiner Frau kamen aus Polen.
My wife's great-grandparents came from Poland.
In its original meaning, 'ur-' is a prefix that is attached directly to a noun to form a new word. It is not declined like a normal adjective and never stands alone.
Der Ursprung des Konflikts liegt viele Jahre zurück.
The origin of the conflict lies many years in the past.
The prefix 'ur-' forms many fixed terms. Common examples are 'Urwald' (primeval forest), 'Ursprung' (origin), 'Urzeit' (prehistoric times), 'Urmensch' (early human), or kinship terms such as 'Urgroßeltern' (great-grandparents).
Dinosaurier lebten in der Urzeit.
Dinosaurs lived in prehistoric times.
The use of 'ur' meaning 'very' is strongly colloquial and typical of youth language, especially in Austria and parts of Germany. It should be avoided in formal or written contexts.
Deine neue Frisur ist ur cool!
Your new hairstyle is totally cool!
very
'sehr' and 'ur' can both intensify a quality. 'sehr' is the normal and neutral form that you can use everywhere. In this use, 'ur' means something like 'very' or 'totally', but it is colloquial and is common mainly in Austria and in some regions of Germany. That is why 'ur gut' (really good) sounds completely normal to some speakers, but regional or very informal to others. If you want to speak safely and neutrally, 'sehr' is the better choice.
Der Ausflug ist ur schön, weil wir direkt am See sind.
The trip is really beautiful because we are right by the lake.
Beim Termin hören wir sehr genau zu, weil das Thema wichtig ist.
During the appointment, we listen very carefully because the topic is important.