01
verrückt
crazy
Colloquial for unreasonable, strange, or eccentric in behavior or appearance.
example
Du willst bei dem Wetter schwimmen gehen? Du bist ja total verrückt!
You want to go swimming in this weather? You're totally crazy!
verrückt
crazy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the verb 'verrücken' (to move something out of place), which means 'to move something from its proper place.' So 'verrückt' (crazy) metaphorically describes a state in which the mind or things are no longer in their normal place.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Tisch ein wenig verrücken?
Could you please move the table a little?
Fixed expression
The expression 'jemanden verrückt machen' (to drive someone crazy) is very common. It means to make someone very nervous, angry, or impatient.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Lärm macht mich noch ganz verrückt!
This noise is going to drive me completely crazy!
Typical intensifiers
'Verrückt' (crazy) is often intensified with adverbs such as 'total' (totally), 'völlig' (completely), or 'komplett' (completely) to express intensity.
EXAMPLE
Die Party gestern war total verrückt.
The party yesterday was totally crazy.
Correct preposition
When you want to express that you are very enthusiastic about something or someone, you use the fixed construction 'verrückt sein nach' (to be crazy about) followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder sind ganz verrückt nach dem neuen Eis.
The children are completely crazy about the new ice cream.
Register and style
The literal meaning 'geisteskrank' (mentally ill) is outdated and is considered insensitive today. In modern language, neutral terms such as 'psychisch krank' (mentally ill) are used instead.
EXAMPLE
Er leidet an einer psychischen Krankheit und ist in Behandlung.
He suffers from a mental illness and is receiving treatment.
Compare with
verrückt vs toll
great / mad
'toll' and 'verrückt' can both express strong feelings in casual language, but they usually do not mean the same thing. Today, 'toll' normally means 'very good' or 'great'. 'verrückt' more often describes something strange, unreasonable, extreme, or chaotic. In 'verrückt nach etwas' (crazy about something), it can also mean strong enthusiasm. Learners may confuse the words because 'toll' could also mean 'insane' in the past, and because both words can sometimes sound very strong. In modern everyday language, the rule is: use 'toll' for positive praise, and 'verrückt' more for something strange or extreme.
verrückt
Beim Einkaufen war es so voll, dass die ganze Situation völlig verrückt wirkte.
When we were shopping, it was so crowded that the whole situation seemed completely crazy.
toll
Frau Hofmann sagt, dass das Essen am Wochenende toll wird.
Ms. Hofmann says that the food at the weekend will be great.
In real life
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