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weltgroß
world-sized
A rare, exaggerated description for something that is felt to be extraordinary or immeasurably great.
example
Nach der Trennung verspürte sie einen weltgroßen Schmerz.
After the breakup, she felt a world-sized pain.
weltgroß
world-sized
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The adjective 'weltgroß' (world-sized) consists of 'die Welt' (the world) and 'groß' (big/great). The compound serves as an exaggeration and figuratively means 'as big as the world.'
EXAMPLE
Er empfand eine weltgroße Erleichterung, als er die Prüfung bestanden hatte.
He felt world-sized relief when he had passed the exam.
Register and style
This word is very emotional and poetic. It is not used to describe physical size, but to exaggerate the intensity of a feeling. It is rare in normal everyday language.
EXAMPLE
In ihren Briefen schrieb sie von ihrer weltgroßen Sehnsucht.
In her letters, she wrote of her world-sized longing.
Typical collocations
'Weltgroß' (world-sized) is used almost exclusively with abstract nouns that express strong feelings. Typical combinations are 'weltgroßer Schmerz' (world-sized pain), 'weltgroßes Glück' (world-sized happiness), or 'weltgroße Liebe' (world-sized love).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Wiedersehen empfand sie ein weltgroßes Glück.
After the reunion, she felt world-sized happiness.
Compare with
weltgroß vs riesig
huge
'riesig' and 'weltgroß' both describe something that seems very large. 'riesig' is the normal word in everyday language and works for buildings, quantities, problems, or also as an intensifier: 'eine riesige Freude' (huge joy). 'weltgroß' is much rarer and sounds strongly exaggerated, almost poetic or especially vivid. It is used more when something is meant to appear not just large, but immeasurable or extraordinarily great. For normal situations, 'riesig' is more natural.
weltgroß
Nach dem Erfolg fühlte sich ihre Freude für einen Moment weltgroß an.
After the success, her joy felt world-sized for a moment.
riesig
Vor dem Bahnhof steht ein riesiger Bus mit vielen Koffern daneben.
There is a huge bus in front of the station, with many suitcases beside it.
In real life
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