01
verdammt
damn
A colloquial intensifier used as an adverb meaning 'very' or 'extremely' to emphasize a quality or feeling.
example
Das war ein verdammt gutes Konzert!
That was a damn good concert!
verdammt
damn / damned
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
'Verdammt' (damn/damned) is a colloquial swear word. It should definitely be avoided in formal situations, at work, or in polite conversation, since it can be perceived as rude or vulgar.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe den verdammten Schlüssel schon wieder verloren!
I've lost the damned key again!
Word structure
'Verdammt' (damned) is the past participle form of the verb 'verdammen' (to damn/condemn). This verb means to sentence someone to a punishment, which explains the original religious meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester predigte über die Sünder, die verdammt werden.
The priest preached about the sinners who are damned.
Context clues
Its function in the sentence reveals the meaning. As an intensifier, it stands before an adjective ('verdammt schnell' — damn fast). As an expression of anger, it stands before a noun ('der verdammte Lärm' — the damned noise) or alone as an exclamation.
EXAMPLE
Es ist verdammt kalt heute.
It's damn cold today.
Use as an adverb
In the colloquial meaning of 'very', 'verdammt' (damn) is used like an adverb and stands directly before the adjective or adverb that it is meant to intensify.
EXAMPLE
Sie kann verdammt gut Klavier spielen.
She can play the piano damn well.
Compare with
verdammt vs sehr
very
'sehr' and 'verdammt' can both make something stronger, for example an adjective or a feeling. 'sehr' is neutral and fits almost any situation, including formal conversations or texts. 'verdammt' is colloquial and sounds much more emotional. It can show annoyance, surprise, or strong emphasis, and it is not polite in every situation. If you want to speak safely and neutrally, use 'sehr'. 'verdammt' is more suitable among friends or when you deliberately want the language to sound strong.
verdammt
Nach dem langen Stau war sie verdammt müde.
After the long traffic jam, she was damn tired.
sehr
Der Film war sehr spannend, deshalb blieb ich bis zum Ende wach.
The movie was very exciting, so I stayed awake until the end.
In real life
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