01
völlig
completely
Entirely, completely, fully. Used to intensify an adjective, adverb, or statement.
example
Nach der langen Wanderung war ich völlig erschöpft.
After the long hike, I was completely exhausted.
völlig
completely
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'völlig' (completely) is closely related to 'voll' (full). It expresses that something is filled to the maximum or complete, similar to a full glass.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin mit deinem Vorschlag völlig einverstanden.
I completely agree with your suggestion.
Sentence structure
'Völlig' (completely) stands as an intensifying adverb directly before the adjective or adverb it is meant to intensify. It cannot be used alone as a predicative adjective.
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine völlig neue Situation für uns.
This is a completely new situation for us.
Typical collocations
'Völlig' (completely) is often combined with adjectives that describe an extreme state. Common combinations are 'völlig überrascht' (completely surprised), 'völlig falsch' (completely wrong), 'völlig normal' (completely normal), or 'völlig erschöpft' (completely exhausted).
EXAMPLE
Es ist völlig normal, vor einer Prüfung nervös zu sein.
It is completely normal to be nervous before an exam.
Compare with
völlig vs ganz
whole / quite
'ganz' and 'völlig' can both intensify an adjective or a statement. 'völlig' clearly means 'completely' or 'entirely' and sounds stronger and more precise. 'ganz' is more flexible: it can be strong, as in 'ganz falsch' (completely wrong), but it can also sound weaker, as in 'ganz gut' meaning 'quite good'. That is why learners may confuse the words. When you really mean that nothing is missing or there is no exception, 'völlig' fits well. When the statement can also be meant as slightly positive or somewhat cautious, 'ganz' is more natural.
völlig
Nach der langen Erklärung war sie völlig verwirrt.
After the long explanation, she was completely confused.
ganz
Der Film war ganz interessant, aber nicht besonders spannend.
The film was quite interesting, but not especially exciting.
In real life
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