großzügig
großzügig 30秒で
- Großzügig describes a person who gives freely and is not stingy with money or help.
- It also describes rooms, houses, or layouts that are very spacious and open.
- In a social sense, it means being tolerant and overlooking small mistakes in others.
- It is a very positive word used in both casual conversation and formal business settings.
The German adjective großzügig is a multifaceted gem in the linguistic crown of the German language, primarily used to describe a person's willingness to give, share, or act with a broad spirit. At its core, it translates to 'generous' or 'liberal,' but its etymological roots—'groß' (large) and 'Zug' (pull, trait, or feature)—suggest a 'large-featured' way of living and thinking. When you call someone großzügig, you are not just saying they tip well at a restaurant; you are acknowledging a character trait that avoids pettiness and embraces abundance.
- Financial Generosity
- The most common application involves money or material goods. A person who donates a significant portion of their income to charity or pays for a friend's meal without hesitation is großzügig.
- Spacial Abundance
- In architecture and interior design, it describes rooms or layouts that are spacious and airy. A 'großzügige Wohnung' isn't just big; it feels open and unconfined.
- Character and Forgiveness
- It also applies to one's mindset. Being großzügig in judgment means being tolerant and overlooking small mistakes rather than being 'kleinlich' (petty).
"Mein Onkel war immer sehr großzügig und hat uns Kindern zu Weihnachten die tollsten Geschenke gemacht."
To truly understand this word, one must contrast it with its opposites. While a 'geizig' (stingy) person counts every cent, a großzügig person views resources as things to be shared for the greater good or for the joy of others. This word carries a very positive social connotation in German culture, signaling status not through hoarding, but through the ability to provide. It is a 'B1' level word because it moves beyond simple physical descriptions into the realm of abstract character evaluation and social dynamics.
"Die Firma bietet eine großzügige Urlaubsregelung an, die weit über das gesetzliche Minimum hinausgeht."
Furthermore, the word is often used in professional contexts to describe benefits or contract terms. If a company offers 35 days of vacation instead of the standard 20, that is a großzügiges Angebot. It implies a lack of restriction. In a world of 'Kleingedrucktes' (fine print), something großzügig is refreshing because it doesn't hide behind limitations. It is the linguistic equivalent of a wide-open door or a full plate of food offered to a guest.
- The 'Spacious' Aspect
- When describing a house: 'Die Zimmer sind großzügig geschnitten.' This means the floor plan is open and the rooms are large.
- The 'Time' Aspect
- Giving someone 'großzügig Zeit' means not rushing them, allowing them the space they need to complete a task or make a decision.
Using großzügig correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both an adjective and an adverb. Because it ends in '-ig', it follows standard adjective declension rules when placed before a noun. For example, 'ein großzügiger Mann' (nominative masculine), 'eine großzügige Spende' (nominative feminine), or 'das großzügige Geschenk' (nominative neuter with definite article).
"Wir müssen großzügig planen, damit am Ende genug Essen für alle Gäste da ist."
When you use it as an adverb, it doesn't take any endings. 'Sie handelt großzügig' (She acts generously). This is particularly useful when describing behaviors in business or personal relationships. One of the most common collocations is with the verb 'sein' (to be): 'Sei nicht so kleinlich, sei doch mal großzügig!' (Don't be so petty, be generous for once!). This imperative usage is common in social disputes where one person is being too focused on minor details or costs.
- In Comparison
- 'Er ist großzügiger als sein Bruder' (He is more generous than his brother). The comparative form adds '-er', and the superlative is 'am großzügigsten'.
- With Prepositions
- Usually used with 'gegenüber' + Dative: 'Er ist großzügig gegenüber seinen Mitarbeitern' (He is generous towards his employees).
In a spatial sense, you will often hear it in real estate listings. Phrases like 'großzügiger Balkon' or 'großzügig gestalteter Eingangsbereich' are marketing staples. Here, the word elevates the description from 'big' to 'luxuriously spacious.' It suggests that the architect wasn't trying to save every square centimeter but instead prioritized comfort and aesthetic flow. If you are describing your own home to a German friend, using großzügig instead of 'groß' makes you sound more sophisticated and appreciative of the design.
Another nuance is the 'generosity of spirit' in intellectual debates. If someone acknowledges the validity of an opponent's point, they are being großzügig in their argumentation. It shows a lack of ego. You might say, 'Es war großzügig von dir, seinen Fehler nicht vor allen zu erwähnen' (It was generous of you not to mention his mistake in front of everyone). This usage bridges the gap between material giving and emotional intelligence.
You will encounter großzügig in a variety of everyday and formal settings. In a restaurant, you might hear a waiter thanking a guest for a 'großzügiges Trinkgeld' (generous tip). In Germany, where tipping is usually around 5-10%, a 20% tip would certainly earn this adjective. In family settings, it’s often used to describe grandparents who spoil their grandchildren with gifts or extra pocket money.
"Die Stadt hat eine großzügige Spende für den neuen Spielplatz erhalten."
In the business world, the word appears in job advertisements and contract negotiations. A 'großzügiges Gehaltspaket' (generous salary package) is a major selling point. Similarly, during a 'Kulanz' (goodwill) situation—for example, if a store accepts a return after the official deadline—the customer might say, 'Vielen Dank für Ihre großzügige Entscheidung.' This expresses gratitude for the company's flexibility and lack of strictness.
- Real Estate & Living
- 'Die Wohnung besticht durch ihren großzügigen Schnitt.' (The apartment impresses with its spacious layout.)
- Politics & Law
- 'Die Regierung plant eine großzügige Reform der Sozialleistungen.' (The government plans a generous reform of social benefits.)
In literature and media, the word is used to build character. A protagonist who is großzügig is usually portrayed as noble, heroic, or at least likable. Conversely, a villain might be described as 'unfähig, großzügig zu sein,' highlighting their moral failings. On social media, you might see influencers talking about a 'großzügiges Giveaway' to attract followers. The word acts as a magnet, promising value and abundance.
Even though großzügig seems straightforward, learners often stumble over its specific connotations and grammatical nuances. One frequent error is confusing it with 'groß' (big). While all großzügig rooms are 'groß', not all 'groß' rooms are großzügig. The latter implies a sense of design and openness, whereas 'groß' is just a measurement.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'Verschwenderisch'
- Learners sometimes use großzügig when they actually mean 'wasteful'. Being großzügig is a virtue; being 'verschwenderisch' is a vice involving the thoughtless throwing away of resources.
- Mistake: Incorrect Preposition
- Many students say 'großzügig mit' when describing a person's attitude toward others. While 'großzügig mit Geld' is correct, describing the target of the generosity requires 'gegenüber'.
❌ "Er ist großzügig zu seinen Fehlern." (Incorrect)
✅ "Er geht großzügig mit seinen eigenen Fehlern um." (Correct)
Another common pitfall is the declension of the adjective in the comparative form. Because the word ends in '-ig', the comparative is 'großzügiger'. Learners often forget to keep the 'ig' sound and might say 'größerzügig' (incorrectly applying an umlaut like in 'groß' -> 'größer'). Remember: the 'groß' in großzügig does not take an umlaut in the comparative or superlative forms!
Lastly, be careful with the word 'freigiebig'. While it is a synonym, it is much more formal and specifically refers to giving away money or objects. If you use 'freigiebig' to describe a spacious apartment, it will sound very strange to a native speaker. Großzügig is the safer, more versatile choice for most contexts.
To expand your vocabulary beyond großzügig, it is helpful to look at words that share its semantic space but offer different shades of meaning. The most direct synonym is freigiebig. This word literally means 'free-giving' and is often used in more formal or literary contexts. It focuses strictly on the act of giving material things.
- Spendabel
- This is a more colloquial term. If a friend is 'spendabel', they are in the mood to spend money, perhaps buying a round of drinks for everyone. It’s less about a deep character trait and more about a current behavior.
- Tolerant / Nachsichtig
- When großzügig refers to a person's character in judging others, 'tolerant' or 'nachsichtig' (lenient/indulgent) are excellent alternatives. They describe the 'generosity of spirit' specifically.
- Weitläufig
- In the context of space and architecture, 'weitläufig' is a strong synonym. It describes large areas, like a 'weitläufiger Park' or a 'weitläufiges Anwesen'.
"Während er finanziell eher geizig ist, zeigt er sich bei der Zeit für seine Kinder sehr großzügig."
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have geizig (stingy) and kleinlich (petty). Understanding these antonyms helps define the boundaries of großzügig. A 'kleinlich' person focuses on the 'Kleinigkeiten' (small things/details) to the point of being annoying, whereas a großzügig person looks at the 'Große Ganze' (the big picture).
In a professional context, you might also encounter kulant. This is specifically used when a company is 'generous' by waiving a rule or fee as a gesture of goodwill. While you wouldn't call a person 'kulant' for giving a big birthday gift, you would call a shop 'kulant' for replacing a broken item without a receipt.
How Formal Is It?
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発音ガイド
難易度
知っておくべき文法
レベル別の例文
Mein Opa ist sehr großzügig.
My grandpa is very generous.
Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.
Hier ist ein großzügiges Geschenk für dich.
Here is a generous gift for you.
Adjective ending '-es' for a neuter noun (das Geschenk).
Sie gibt immer großzügig Trinkgeld.
She always gives a generous tip.
Used as an adverb here.
Bist du großzügig?
Are you generous?
Question form.
Der Kuchen ist großzügig geschnitten.
The cake is cut generously (large pieces).
Adverbial use describing the state of the cake.
Danke für deine großzügige Hilfe!
Thanks for your generous help!
Adjective ending '-e' for a feminine noun (die Hilfe).
Er ist nicht geizig, er ist großzügig.
He is not stingy, he is generous.
Contrast with antonym.
Wir haben eine großzügige Wohnung.
We have a spacious apartment.
Adjective ending '-e' for feminine noun (die Wohnung).
Die Portionen im Restaurant sind sehr großzügig.
The portions in the restaurant are very generous.
Plural subject with 'sind'.
Er hat uns großzügig zum Essen eingeladen.
He generously invited us to dinner.
Adverb modifying the verb 'eingeladen'.
Meine Eltern waren immer großzügig zu mir.
My parents were always generous to me.
Past tense 'waren'.
Das ist eine großzügige Spende für die Schule.
That is a generous donation for the school.
Feminine noun 'Spende'.
Können Sie mir einen großzügigen Rabatt geben?
Can you give me a generous discount?
Accusative masculine ending '-en'.
Das Haus hat einen großzügigen Garten.
The house has a spacious garden.
Accusative masculine 'einen großzügigen Garten'.
Sie ist eine großzügige Gastgeberin.
She is a generous hostess.
Feminine noun 'Gastgeberin'.
Wir brauchen eine großzügige Planung für das Fest.
We need generous planning for the party.
Feminine noun 'Planung'.
Man sollte großzügig über kleine Fehler hinwegsehen.
One should generously overlook small mistakes.
Modal verb 'sollte' + adverb.
Die Firma bietet großzügige Urlaubsregelungen an.
The company offers generous vacation policies.
Plural adjective ending '-e'.
Er hat das Erbe großzügig unter seinen Geschwistern verteilt.
He generously distributed the inheritance among his siblings.
Perfect tense with 'hat... verteilt'.
Es war eine großzügige Geste, die Rechnung zu bezahlen.
It was a generous gesture to pay the bill.
Feminine noun 'Geste'.
Die Zimmer sind großzügig geschnitten und sehr hell.
The rooms are spaciously laid out and very bright.
Passive-like description of layout.
Sei doch nicht so kleinlich, sei mal etwas großzügiger!
Don't be so petty, be a bit more generous!
Imperative + comparative form.
Sie ist bekannt für ihre großzügige Art.
She is known for her generous nature.
Preposition 'für' + accusative.
Wir haben großzügig Zeit für das Projekt eingeplant.
We have planned generous time for the project.
Adverbial use with 'eingeplant'.
Die Kulanzregelung des Ladens ist äußerst großzügig.
The store's goodwill policy is extremely generous.
Adjective as predicate.
Er interpretierte die Regeln sehr großzügig zu seinem Vorteil.
He interpreted the rules very generously to his advantage.
Adverb modifying 'interpretierte'.
Das neue Museum beeindruckt durch seine großzügige Architektur.
The new museum impresses with its spacious architecture.
Possessive pronoun + adjective.
Eine großzügige Spendenbereitschaft ist in dieser Region üblich.
A generous willingness to donate is common in this region.
Compound noun 'Spendenbereitschaft'.
Trotz des Fehlers zeigte sich der Chef großzügig und verzichtete auf eine Abmahnung.
Despite the mistake, the boss showed himself to be generous and waived a warning.
Reflexive 'zeigte sich'.
Die Regierung hat großzügige Kredite für Start-ups angekündigt.
The government has announced generous loans for start-ups.
Plural accusative.
In seiner großzügigen Weise überhörte er die Beleidigung.
In his generous way, he ignored the insult.
Dative feminine ending '-en' after 'in seiner'.
Wir sollten den Begriff 'Erfolg' etwas großzügiger definieren.
We should define the term 'success' a bit more generously.
Comparative adverb.
Die großzügige Bemessung der Räume verleiht dem Gebäude Eleganz.
The generous sizing of the rooms gives the building elegance.
Genitive-like construction.
Es zeugt von wahrer Größe, Fehltritte anderer großzügig zu entschuldigen.
It shows true greatness to generously excuse the missteps of others.
Infinitive clause.
Die Reform wurde durch großzügige Übergangsfristen abgemildert.
The reform was softened by generous transition periods.
Passive voice with 'durch'.
Seine großzügige Weltanschauung lässt keinen Raum für Vorurteile.
His generous worldview leaves no room for prejudice.
Abstract usage.
Das Unternehmen glänzt durch eine großzügige Dividendenpolitik.
The company shines through a generous dividend policy.
Business terminology.
Man muss die Fakten großzügig gewichten, um zu diesem Schluss zu kommen.
One must weigh the facts generously to arrive at this conclusion.
Adverbial use in logic/argumentation.
Die großzügige Vergabe von Fördermitteln stieß auf Kritik.
The generous awarding of subsidies met with criticism.
Noun phrase with adjective.
Sie hat eine großzügige Natur, die jeden willkommen heißt.
She has a generous nature that welcomes everyone.
Relative clause.
Die großzügige Linienführung des Malers verrät seinen Mut zur Abstraktion.
The painter's generous brushwork reveals his courage for abstraction.
Artistic context.
In einer großzügigen Volte umschiffte der Redner die kritische Frage.
In a generous maneuver, the speaker bypassed the critical question.
Rhetorical context.
Die Großzügigkeit, mit der sie über den Verrat hinwegging, war fast beängstigend.
The generosity with which she overlooked the betrayal was almost frightening.
Noun form 'Großzügigkeit'.
Man darf die großzügige Handhabung des Asylrechts nicht mit Beliebigkeit verwechseln.
One must not confuse the generous handling of asylum law with arbitrariness.
Legal/Political nuance.
Sein Werk ist geprägt von einer großzügigen Missachtung formaler Konventionen.
His work is characterized by a generous disregard for formal conventions.
Literary criticism.
Die großzügige Dimensionierung der Brückenpfeiler garantiert Langlebigkeit.
The generous sizing of the bridge piers guarantees longevity.
Engineering context.
Es ist ein großzügiger Entwurf, der die Grenzen zwischen Innen und Außen aufhebt.
It is a generous design that dissolves the boundaries between inside and outside.
Architectural theory.
Sie pflegte einen großzügigen Lebensstil, der weit über ihre Verhältnisse ging.
She maintained a generous lifestyle that went far beyond her means.
Socio-economic context.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
Sei doch mal großzügig!
Ein großzügiges Geschenk machen.
Großzügig bemessen sein.
Auf großzügige Weise.
Eine großzügige Seele haben.
Großzügig mit der Zeit umgehen.
Ein großzügiges Gehalt bekommen.
Großzügig Trinkgeld geben.
Eine großzügig geschnittene Küche.
Großzügig gegenüber Fremden sein.
よく混同される語
慣用句と表現
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間違えやすい
Means fast or prompt. 'Eine zügige Bearbeitung' is a fast processing.
More colloquial and specifically about spending money in the moment.
More formal and focused on the act of giving away possessions.
Used specifically for businesses being flexible with rules.
Used for large areas/grounds, not for character.
文型パターン
使い方
Can mean 'generous' (character) or 'spacious' (physical).
Opposite of 'geizig' for money, 'kleinlich' for rules/spirit, and 'eng' for space.
-
Use 'mit' for the resource being shared.
-
The umlaut does not change in the comparative form of this word.
-
While the first is okay, 'geschnitten' is the idiomatic way to describe spatial layout.
-
Describing how one handles something requires 'umgehen mit'.
-
Don't forget the 'groß'! 'Zügig' alone means you are fast or moving quickly.
ヒント
Pair with Antonyms
Learn 'großzügig' alongside 'geizig' and 'kleinlich' to understand the full spectrum of character traits. This helps you remember the word by creating a mental scale of behavior.
Watch the Umlaut
Unlike the base word 'groß', 'großzügig' does not get an umlaut in its comparative (großzügiger) or superlative (am großzügigsten) forms. Keep the 'o' stable!
Use in Restaurants
When you want to be extra polite, you can describe a tip as 'großzügig'. It shows you understand the value of the service provided.
The 'Spacious' Nuance
When looking for apartments, 'großzügig' is a keyword for luxury. It implies the space isn't just big, but 'generously' laid out for comfort.
Formal Letters
Use 'Ihre großzügige Unterstützung' in formal thank-you notes. it sounds much more professional and heartfelt than just saying 'your help'.
Big Pull
Think of 'groß' (big) and 'Zug' (pull/trait). A person with 'big traits' is generous. This helps you remember the two parts of the word.
Context Clues
If you hear 'großzügig' in a conversation about a house, think 'spacious'. If it's about a person, think 'generous'. The context always makes it clear.
Negotiations
Calling an offer 'großzügig' can be a strategic way to show appreciation before asking for even more, or to close a deal on a positive note.
Avoid Repetition
If you've already used 'groß', switch to 'großzügig' to describe a room. it adds variety and sophistication to your German.
Forgiveness
Use 'großzügig' when talking about forgiving someone. 'Er war großzügig genug, mir zu verzeihen.' It elevates the act of forgiveness.
暗記しよう
語源
Germanic
文化的な背景
A 10% tip is considered 'großzügig' in many parts of Germany.
Goodwill (Kulanz) is the professional form of being 'großzügig'.
Offering a second helping of food is a sign of being a 'großzügiger Gastgeber'.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"Was war das großzügigste Geschenk, das du je bekommen hast?"
"Findest du, dass die Menschen heute weniger großzügig sind als früher?"
"Ist deine Wohnung eher gemütlich oder großzügig geschnitten?"
"Wann warst du das letzte Mal so richtig großzügig?"
"Sollte der Staat bei Sozialleistungen großzügiger sein?"
日記のテーマ
Beschreibe eine Person, die du als besonders großzügig empfindest.
Wie wichtig ist Großzügigkeit in einer Freundschaft?
Macht Geben glücklicher als Nehmen? Reflektiere über einen Moment der Großzügigkeit.
Wie würde dein Traumhaus aussehen? Benutze das Wort 'großzügig'.
In welchen Situationen fällt es dir schwer, großzügig zu sein?
よくある質問
10 問Yes, in 99% of cases it is a compliment. However, it can be used sarcastically if someone is being the opposite of generous, or it can describe someone being 'generous' with other people's money, which might be criticized.
No, for height you only use 'groß'. 'Großzügig' is about character or space, not physical size of a person.
The noun is 'die Großzügigkeit'. It is feminine.
You say: 'Er ist großzügig mit seiner Zeit.' This is a very common and natural expression.
'Spendabel' is usually about money and is more casual. 'Großzügig' is broader and can be about character, space, or money.
Yes, 'eine großzügige Wohnung' or 'ein großzügiges Zimmer' means it is very spacious and well-designed.
The most common opposites are 'geizig' (stingy) and 'kleinlich' (petty).
No. It remains 'großzügiger'. This is a common mistake because 'groß' becomes 'größer'.
Yes, very often. For example, 'ein großzügiges Angebot' or 'großzügige Fristen' (generous deadlines).
In standard German, it is pronounced like the 'ch' in 'ich' (/ç/). In some southern dialects, it sounds like a 'k'.
自分をテスト 183 問
/ 183 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Großzügig is the essential German word for 'generous' and 'spacious.' Whether you are praising a friend's kindness, describing a luxury apartment, or thanking a company for a flexible policy, this word conveys a sense of abundance and noble spirit.
- Großzügig describes a person who gives freely and is not stingy with money or help.
- It also describes rooms, houses, or layouts that are very spacious and open.
- In a social sense, it means being tolerant and overlooking small mistakes in others.
- It is a very positive word used in both casual conversation and formal business settings.
Pair with Antonyms
Learn 'großzügig' alongside 'geizig' and 'kleinlich' to understand the full spectrum of character traits. This helps you remember the word by creating a mental scale of behavior.
Watch the Umlaut
Unlike the base word 'groß', 'großzügig' does not get an umlaut in its comparative (großzügiger) or superlative (am großzügigsten) forms. Keep the 'o' stable!
Use in Restaurants
When you want to be extra polite, you can describe a tip as 'großzügig'. It shows you understand the value of the service provided.
The 'Spacious' Nuance
When looking for apartments, 'großzügig' is a keyword for luxury. It implies the space isn't just big, but 'generously' laid out for comfort.
関連コンテンツ
emotionsの関連語
abgeneigt
B1何かを好きではなく、避けたいと思うさま。
ablehnend
B1何かや誰かを良く思っていない、拒否しているような態度を示す時に使います。
abneigen
B1誰かや何かに、嫌悪感や不快感を感じる様子です。
Abneigung
B1誰かや何かを好きではないと感じること、そしてしばしば避けるようになる気持ちのことだよ。
Abscheu
B1非常に強い嫌悪感や不快感のことです。
abscheuen
B1強い嫌悪感を伴って、何かや誰かをひどく憎むことです。
Ach!
A1あっ!素晴らしい。/ ああ、なるほど。
ach
A2ああ、あら、まあ。驚き、納得、後悔などの感情を表します。
akzeptierend
B1accepting
Albtraum
A2寝ている間に怖い思いをする、とても悪い夢のことだよ。