01
voll
full
Filled to the edge or completely filled; offering no more space for anything else.
example
Die Flasche ist noch fast voll.
The bottle is still almost full.
voll
full
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Use with prepositions
If you want to express what something is filled with, you can use the prepositions 'mit' (with) or 'von' (of/with). Both take the dative. The form 'voll mit' (full of/with) is somewhat more common in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Der Korb ist voll mit frischem Obst.
The basket is full of fresh fruit.
Colloquial intensifier
In colloquial speech, 'voll' (really/totally) is often used like 'sehr' (very) or 'total' (totally) to intensify an adjective or adverb. It then comes directly before the word it intensifies.
EXAMPLE
Wow, dein neues Fahrrad ist voll schön!
Wow, your new bike is really nice!
Register: informal for 'drunk'
The meaning 'betrunken' (drunk) is very colloquial. It is used only in informal situations among friends or acquaintances.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Feier waren einige Gäste ziemlich voll.
After the party, some guests were pretty drunk.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'komplett' (complete), 'voll' is often used in fixed expressions with abstract nouns. Typical examples are 'ein voller Erfolg' (a complete success), 'volle Absicht' (full intention), or 'in vollem Gange sein' (to be in full swing).
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert war ein voller Erfolg.
The concert was a complete success.
Typical collocations
In the basic meaning 'gefüllt' (filled), 'voll' is often combined with containers or places. Common collocations are 'ein volles Glas' (a full glass), 'ein voller Tank' (a full tank), or 'ein voller Teller' (a full plate).
EXAMPLE
Mit vollem Tank können wir bis nach München fahren.
With a full tank, we can drive all the way to Munich.
Compare with
voll vs all
all
'all' and 'voll' can form an opposite pair in everyday language when talking about a container or a supply. 'voll' means that something is filled or has no more space. 'all' means colloquially that something is used up or empty. You hear this meaning of 'all' especially in spoken language, for example with food, drinks, or supplies. So the contrast is simple: if the bottle is full, there is still a lot in it; if it is 'all' (all gone), there is nothing left.
voll
Der Bus ist morgens oft so voll, dass viele stehen müssen.
The bus is often so crowded in the morning that many people have to stand.
all
Die Milch ist all, deshalb muss ich neue kaufen.
The milk is all gone, so I have to buy more.
In real life
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