1.

Describing Personality & Character

German (Adj) English Meaning Notes
freundlich friendly
nett nice, kind
sympathisch likable, pleasant often about first impressions
höflich polite
unhöflich impolite, rude
ehrlich honest
unehrlich dishonest
offen open, frank also “open” in a more general sense
verschlossen reserved, closed-off about personality
geduldig patient
ungeduldig impatient
selbstbewusst self-confident
schüchtern shy
fleißig hardworking, diligent
faul lazy
lustig funny, amusing can also mean “fun” in some contexts
ernst serious
großzügig generous literally “large-minded”
geizig stingy opposite of “großzügig”
zuverlässig reliable
verantwortungsbewusst responsible literally “conscious of responsibility”
unzuverlässig unreliable
egoistisch selfish, egotistical also egozentrisch
arrogant arrogant
bescheiden modest, humble
2. Describing Emotions & Mental States
German (Adj) English Meaning
glücklich happy
unglücklich unhappy
zufrieden content, satisfied
unzufrieden dissatisfied
traurig sad
fröhlich joyful, cheerful
wütend angry, furious
annoying, irritating
ärgerlich (“ärgerlich” can also mean
“annoyed”)
enttäuscht disappointed
begeistert enthusiastic, excited
verwirrt confused
stolz proud
neidisch envious, jealous
eifersüchtig jealous (in relationships)
nervös nervous
ängstlich anxious, afraid
entspannt relaxed
gelangweilt bored
3. Physical Descriptions (Size, Shape, Appearance)
German (Adj) English Meaning
groß big, tall (for people)
klein small, short
lang long
kurz short
breit wide
schmal narrow
dick thick, fat
dünn thin
tief deep
flach flat
hoch high
niedrig low
riesig huge, gigantic
winzig tiny, minute
gerade straight
krumm crooked, bent
eckig angular, edgy
rund round
4. Condition & Health
German (Adj) English Meaning
gesund healthy
krank sick, ill
fit fit, in good shape
schlapp worn out, limp
müde tired
wach awake
durstig thirsty
hungrig hungry
satt full (after eating)
verletzt injured
schwanger pregnant
5. Describing Quality, Speed, Temperature, etc.
German (Adj) English Meaning
gut good
schlecht bad
prima (ugs.) great, excellent (colloq)
klasse (ugs.) brilliant (colloq)
ausgezeichnet excellent
perfekt perfect
schrecklich terrible, awful
furchtbar dreadful, terrible
schnell fast
langsam slow
warm warm
heiß hot
kühl cool
kalt cold
angenehm pleasant, comfortable
unangenehm unpleasant, uncomfortable
leicht easy, light (weight)
schwer heavy, difficult
6. Colors (Also Function as Adjectives)
German (Adj) English Meaning
rot red
blau blue
grün green
gelb yellow
orange orange
lila purple, violet
rosa pink
braun brown
schwarz black
weiß white
grau gray
beige beige
golden golden
silbern silver (colored)
B) Adverbs

In German, many adverbs can be the

same form as an adjective
(e.g., Er spricht laut – “He speaks loudly,”
using laut). Still, there are also many
distinct “adverb-only” words.
Below is a category-based selection of very common adverbs in German.
1. Adverbs of Time
German (Adv) English Meaning
jetzt now
gerade right now, just
heute today
morgen tomorrow
gestern yesterday
immer always
nie never
oft often
selten seldom, rarely
manchmal sometimes
demnächst soon, before long
bald soon
vorhin a little while ago
nachher afterwards, later
meanwhile, in the
inzwischen
meantime
damals back then
früher earlier, in the past
sofort immediately, right away
plötzlich suddenly
2. Adverbs of Place
German (Adv) English Meaning
hier here
dort there
da there (close by)
drüben over there
oben above, up
unten below, down
innen inside
außen outside
überall everywhere
nirgends nowhere
irgendwo somewhere
dahin (to) there
daher / von dort from there
weg away

(Note: Some of these can combine with

“-her” or “-hin” to indicate direction
toward/away from the speaker,
e.g. hierher = “to here,” dorthin = “to
there.”)
3. Adverbs of Manner
German (Adv) English Meaning
gern(e) gladly, with pleasure
leider unfortunately
irgendwie somehow
sowieso anyway, anyhow
anders differently
besonders especially
genau exactly
quietly, softly (also an Adj:
leise
“quiet”)
laut loudly (Adj: “loud”)
vorsichtig carefully (Adj: “careful”)
schnell quickly (Adj: “fast”)
langsam slowly (Adj: “slow”)
for free (Adj: “free of
kostenlos
charge”)
for free, in vain (depends on
umsonst
context)
4. Adverbs of Degree (Intensity)
German (Adv) English Meaning
sehr very
ziemlich quite, fairly
totally, completely
total (ugs.)
(colloquial)
quite, entirely (depends on
ganz
context)
extrem extremely
höchst extremely (lit. “highest(ly)”)
kaum hardly, barely
nur only
fast almost
eher rather
mehr more
weniger less
(with negation) “not at all,”
überhaupt also “actually, anyway” in
some contexts
5. Adverbs of Frequency
German (Adv) English Meaning
immer always
meistens mostly, usually
häufig frequently
oft often
manchmal sometimes
ab und zu now and then
selten seldom, rarely
kaum jemals hardly ever
nie never
6. Adverbs of Affirmation / Negation / Doubt
German (Adv) English Meaning
ja yes (affirmation)
 yes (after a negative
doch
question), “on the contrary”

nein no (negation)
nicht not (negation, adv)
vielleicht maybe, perhaps
wahrscheinlich probably
sicherlich certainly
bestimmt definitely, for sure
angeblich allegedly
probably, arguably, I
wohl
suppose
kaum hardly (doubt)
(Note: doch can be tricky but is very common in everyday speech as an emphatic contradiction or “yes, indeed.”)
7. Other Useful Adverbs
German (Adv) English Meaning
nevertheless, in spite of
trotzdem
that
jedoch however
deshalb therefore
deswegen because of that, that’s why
daher hence, therefore
also so, thus (colloquial bridging)
außerdem besides, furthermore
jedenfalls in any case
zumindest at least
glücklicherweise fortunately, luckily
hoffentlich hopefully
beinahe nearly, almost
ebenfalls likewise
hingegen on the other hand, however
stattdessen instead
Key Observations
1. Many Adjectives Double as Adverbs
In German, you often see the same
form used for both an adjective and an
adverb. T
he word order and the role in the
sentence clarify usage.
2. Comparative & Superlative
Example: schnell, schneller, am schnellsten (“fast, faster, fastest”)
For certain irregular forms, see e.g. gut → besser → am besten.
3. Placement
Adverbs in German can appear in
various positions but typically after
the verb if they modify it.
For instance, Ich gehe oft ins Kino. (“I
often go to the cinema.”)
4. Regional / Colloquial Variations

Germany (and Austria, Switzerland) has

regional words, slang, or colloquialisms
that may not appear in standard lists.
Over time, exposure to native speakers
will reveal these variants.

5. Building Context
 The best way to truly “own” these
adjectives and adverbs is to see/hear
them in full sentences (reading,
listening, or conversation).
Memorizing them in categories is only
the first step; applying them in context
is crucial.

Final Thoughts

This category-based listing of common

German adjectives and adverbs will
cover the vast majority of
everyday descriptions (qualities, states,
conditions) and manner/time/place
expressions you’ll encounter in typical
conversation or media.
Next Steps:
1. Spaced Repetition: Put these in flashcards or a notebook.
2. Contextual Learning: Create sample sentences (e.g., Der Film war ziemlich spannend. / “The movie was quite exciting.”).
3. Reading & Listening: Notice how these words appear in real texts, shows, or discussions.
4. Conversation Practice: Use them proactively to describe situations, people, and feelings.
A) Adjectives

Below are common adjectives, grouped by theme. Each entry has:

1. German adjective,
2. English meaning(s),
3. Possible usage notes (where relevant).

1. Describing Personality & Character

German (Adj)
freundlich
nett
sympathisch
höflich
unhöflich
ehrlich
unehrlich
offen
verschlossen
geduldig
ungeduldig
selbstbewusst
schüchtern
fleißig
faul
lustig
ernst
großzügig
geizig
zuverlässig
verantwortungsbewusst
unzuverlässig
egoistisch
arrogant
bescheiden

2. Describing Emotions & Mental States

German (Adj)
glücklich
unglücklich
zufrieden
unzufrieden
traurig
fröhlich
wütend

ärgerlich

enttäuscht
begeistert
verwirrt
stolz
neidisch
eifersüchtig
nervös
ängstlich
entspannt
gelangweilt

3. Physical Descriptions (Size, Shape, Appearance)

German (Adj)
groß
klein
lang
kurz
breit
schmal
dick
dünn
tief
flach
hoch
niedrig
riesig
winzig
gerade
krumm
eckig
rund

4. Condition & Health

German (Adj)
gesund
krank
fit
schlapp
müde
wach
durstig
hungrig
satt
verletzt
schwanger

5. Describing Quality, Speed, Temperature, etc.

German (Adj)
gut
schlecht
prima (ugs.)
klasse (ugs.)
ausgezeichnet
perfekt
schrecklich
furchtbar
schnell
langsam
warm
heiß
kühl
kalt
angenehm
unangenehm
leicht
schwer

6. Colors (Also Function as Adjectives)

German (Adj)
rot
blau
grün
gelb
orange
lila
rosa
braun
schwarz
weiß
grau
beige
golden
silbern

B) Adverbs

In German, many adverbs can be the same form as an adjective (e.g., Er spric

Below is a category-based selection of very common adverbs in German.

1. Adverbs of Time

German (Adv)
jetzt
gerade
heute
morgen
gestern
immer
nie
oft
selten
manchmal
demnächst
bald
vorhin
nachher
inzwischen
damals
früher
sofort
plötzlich

2. Adverbs of Place

German (Adv)
hier
dort
da
drüben
oben
unten
innen
außen
überall
nirgends
irgendwo
dahin
daher / von dort
weg

(Note: Some of these can combine with “-her” or “-hin” to indicate direction to
3. Adverbs of Manner

German (Adv)
gern(e)
leider
irgendwie
sowieso
anders
besonders
genau
leise
laut
vorsichtig
schnell
langsam
kostenlos

umsonst

4. Adverbs of Degree (Intensity)

German (Adv)
sehr
ziemlich
total (ugs.)

ganz
extrem
höchst
kaum
nur
fast
eher
mehr
weniger

überhaupt

5. Adverbs of Frequency

German (Adv)
immer
meistens
häufig
oft
manchmal
ab und zu
selten
kaum jemals
nie

6. Adverbs of Affirmation / Negation / Doubt

German (Adv)
ja

doch

nein
nicht
vielleicht
wahrscheinlich
sicherlich
bestimmt
angeblich
wohl
kaum

(Note: doch can be tricky but is very common in everyday speech as an empha

7. Other Useful Adverbs

German (Adv)
trotzdem
jedoch
deshalb
deswegen
daher
also
außerdem
jedenfalls
zumindest
glücklicherweise
hoffentlich
beinahe
ebenfalls
hingegen
stattdessen

Key Observations

1. Many Adjectives Double as Adverbs

In German, you often see the same form used for both an adjective and an a

2. Comparative & Superlative

Example: schnell, schneller, am schnellsten (“fast, faster, fastest”)

 For certain irregular forms, see e.g. gut → besser → am besten.

3. Placement

Adverbs in German can appear in various positions but typically after the v

4. Regional / Colloquial Variations

Germany (and Austria, Switzerland) has regional words, slang, or colloquialis

5. Building Context
The best way to truly “own” these adjectives and adverbs is to see/hear them

Final Thoughts

This category-based listing of common German adjectives and adverbs will c

Next Steps:
1. Spaced Repetition: Put these in flashcards or a notebook.
2. Contextual Learning: Create sample sentences (e.g., Der Film war ziemlic
3. Reading & Listening: Notice how these words appear in real texts, shows
4. Conversation Practice: Use them proactively to describe situations, peop
djectives, grouped by theme. Each entry has:

tes (where relevant).

ality & Character

English Meaning Notes (Optional)

friendly
nice, kind
likable, pleasant often about first
impressions
polite
impolite, rude
honest
dishonest
open, frank also “open” in a more
general sense
reserved, closed-off about personality
patient
impatient
self-confident
shy
hardworking, diligent
lazy
 funny, amusing can also mean “fun” in
some contexts
serious
generous literally “large-minded”
stingy opposite of “großzügig”
reliable
responsible literally “conscious of
responsibility”
unreliable
selfish, egotistical also egozentrisch
arrogant
modest, humble

ns & Mental States

English Meaning
happy
unhappy
content, satisfied
dissatisfied
sad
joyful, cheerful
angry, furious

annoying, irritating (“ärgerlich” can also

mean “annoyed”)

disappointed
enthusiastic, excited
 confused
proud
envious, jealous
jealous (in relationships)
nervous
anxious, afraid
relaxed
bored

ns (Size, Shape, Appearance)

English Meaning
big, tall (for people)
small, short
long
short
wide
narrow
thick, fat
thin
deep
flat
high
low
huge, gigantic
tiny, minute
straight
crooked, bent
 angular, edgy
round

English Meaning
healthy
sick, ill
fit, in good shape
worn out, limp
tired
awake
thirsty
hungry
full (after eating)
injured
pregnant

Speed, Temperature, etc.

English Meaning
good
bad
great, excellent (colloq)
brilliant (colloq)
excellent
perfect
 terrible, awful
dreadful, terrible
fast
slow
warm
hot
cool
cold
pleasant, comfortable
unpleasant, uncomfortable
easy, light (weight)
heavy, difficult

on as Adjectives)

English Meaning
red
blue
green
yellow
orange
purple, violet
pink
brown
black
white
gray
 beige
golden
silver (colored)

erbs can be the same form as an adjective (e.g., Er spricht laut – “He speaks loudly,”

ased selection of very common adverbs in German.

English Meaning
now
right now, just
today
tomorrow
yesterday
always
never
often
seldom, rarely
sometimes
soon, before long
soon
a little while ago
afterwards, later
 meanwhile, in the meantime
back then
earlier, in the past
immediately, right away
suddenly

English Meaning
here
there
there (close by)
over there
above, up
below, down
inside
outside
everywhere
nowhere
somewhere
(to) there
from there
away

can combine with “-her” or “-hin” to indicate direction toward/away from the speake
 English Meaning
gladly, with pleasure
unfortunately
somehow
anyway, anyhow
differently
especially
exactly
quietly, softly (also an Adj: “quiet”)
loudly (Adj: “loud”)
carefully (Adj: “careful”)
quickly (Adj: “fast”)
slowly (Adj: “slow”)
for free (Adj: “free of charge”)

for free, in vain (depends on context)

(Intensity)

English Meaning
very
quite, fairly
totally, completely (colloquial)

quite, entirely (depends on context)

extremely
extremely (lit. “highest(ly)”)
hardly, barely
only
almost
rather
more
less

(with negation) “not at all,” also “actually,

anyway” in some contexts

English Meaning
always
mostly, usually
frequently
often
sometimes
now and then
seldom, rarely
hardly ever
 never

tion / Negation / Doubt

English Meaning
yes (affirmation)

yes (after a negative question), “on the

contrary”

no (negation)
not (negation, adv)
maybe, perhaps
probably
certainly
definitely, for sure
allegedly
probably, arguably, I suppose
hardly (doubt)

cky but is very common in everyday speech as an emphatic contradiction or “yes, ind

English Meaning
 nevertheless, in spite of that
however
therefore
because of that, that’s why
hence, therefore
so, thus (colloquial bridging)
besides, furthermore
in any case
at least
fortunately, luckily
hopefully
nearly, almost
likewise
on the other hand, however
instead

Double as Adverbs
n see the same form used for both an adjective and an adverb. The word order and t

uperlative

hneller, am schnellsten (“fast, faster, fastest”)

r forms, see e.g. gut → besser → am besten.

can appear in various positions but typically after the verb if they modify it. For insta

uial Variations
a, Switzerland) has regional words, slang, or colloquialisms that may not appear in st

y “own” these adjectives and adverbs is to see/hear them in full sentences (reading,

isting of common German adjectives and adverbs will cover the vast majority of eve

n: Put these in flashcards or a notebook.

ning: Create sample sentences (e.g., Der Film war ziemlich spannend. / “The movie w
ing: Notice how these words appear in real texts, shows, or discussions.
actice: Use them proactively to describe situations, people, and feelings.
peaks loudly,” using laut). Still, there are also many distinct “adverb-only” words.
om the speaker, e.g. hierher = “to here,” dorthin = “to there.”)
on or “yes, indeed.”)
rd order and the role in the sentence clarify usage.
dify it. For instance, Ich gehe oft ins Kino. (“I often go to the cinema.”)

ot appear in standard lists. Over time, exposure to native speakers will reveal these v

nces (reading, listening, or conversation). Memorizing them in categories is only the

majority of everyday descriptions (qualities, states, conditions) and manner/time/pl

“The movie was quite exciting.”).

rb-only” words.
s will reveal these variants.

egories is only the first step; applying them in context is crucial.

d manner/time/place expressions you’ll encounter in typical conversation or media.

ersation or media.