At the A1 level, the word 'gründlich' might be a bit advanced, as beginners focus on simple verbs and nouns. However, you might encounter it in the context of basic instructions. For example, a teacher might say 'Hände waschen' (wash hands) and add 'gründlich' to emphasize doing it well. At this stage, just think of 'gründlich' as 'very good' or 'completely.' You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet. Just remember that it helps you say that an action is done with a lot of effort. If you clean your room 'gründlich,' it is very clean. If you learn 'gründlich,' you know the words very well. It is a useful word to describe how you do your chores or your homework. You can imagine a 'ground' (Grund) and reaching it—that is what 'gründlich' is. It is the opposite of 'schnell-schnell' (doing something too fast and poorly). Even at A1, using this word shows that you care about quality.
At the A2 level, you are starting to describe your daily routine and work in more detail. 'Gründlich' becomes very useful here. You can use it to describe how you clean your apartment ('Ich putze die Wohnung gründlich') or how you prepare for a German test ('Ich bereite mich gründlich auf den Test vor'). At this level, you should start noticing the difference between 'gründlich' as an adverb (describing a verb) and as an adjective (describing a noun). If you say 'eine gründliche Reinigung,' you are using it as an adjective. If you say 'ich reinige gründlich,' you are using it as an adverb. It is a very common word in German culture, and using it correctly will make your German sound much more natural. It shows that you understand the importance of doing things properly, which is a key part of communicating in a German-speaking environment. You might also hear it in medical contexts, like 'eine gründliche Untersuchung' (a thorough check-up).
At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex topics and express opinions. 'Gründlich' is essential for discussing work habits, academic studies, and social issues. You can use it to emphasize the depth of an investigation or the seriousness of a plan. For example, 'Bevor man ein Haus kauft, muss man alles gründlich prüfen' (Before buying a house, one must check everything thoroughly). You will also start to see 'gründlich' used in more abstract ways, such as 'jemanden gründlich missverstehen' (to completely misunderstand someone). At this level, you should be comfortable with the comparative and superlative forms: 'gründlicher' and 'am gründlichsten.' You might compare two coworkers: 'Hans arbeitet gründlich, aber Helga arbeitet noch gründlicher.' This word helps you move beyond simple descriptions and start providing nuanced evaluations of how tasks are performed. It is also a key word for discussing the stereotype of 'Deutsche Gründlichkeit' in cultural discussions.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'gründlich' in professional and formal contexts with ease. You will encounter it in business reports, news articles, and academic texts. It often appears in collocations like 'gründliche Recherche' (thorough research) or 'gründliche Analyse' (thorough analysis). At this stage, you should also be aware of its synonyms like 'akribisch' (meticulous) or 'gewissenhaft' (conscientious) and know when to use which. 'Gründlich' remains the most versatile of these. You might use it to talk about the 'gründliche Aufarbeitung der Geschichte' (the thorough processing of history), which is a common theme in German discourse. Your ability to use 'gründlich' to add emphasis to verbs of cognition—like 'nachdenken' or 'überlegen'—will show a high level of linguistic competence. For instance, 'Wir müssen diese Entscheidung gründlich überdenken' (We must thoroughly rethink this decision). This level requires you to understand the subtle difference between 'gründlich' and 'grundlegend' (fundamental).
At the C1 level, you use 'gründlich' to express precision and high-level critical thinking. You will find this word in sophisticated literature and high-level journalism. It is used to describe the rigor of scientific methods or the depth of philosophical inquiry. You might use it in a phrase like 'eine gründliche Dekonstruktion' (a thorough deconstruction) or to describe a 'gründliche Revision' of a law or a theory. At this level, the word is often used to set a standard of excellence. You might argue that a certain policy failed because it lacked a 'gründliche Bedarfsanalyse' (thorough needs analysis). You should also be able to use it in its more idiomatic or intensified forms, such as 'gründlich die Nase voll haben' (to be thoroughly fed up with something—though this is more informal). Your mastery of 'gründlich' at C1 involves knowing exactly where to place it in a complex sentence for maximum stylistic impact, often using it to contrast with superficiality or haste in a persuasive argument.
At the C2 level, 'gründlich' is a tool for stylistic mastery. You understand its etymological roots in 'Grund' and can play with that imagery in your writing. You can use it to describe almost anything that requires depth, from a 'gründliche Einweisung' (a thorough induction) to a 'gründliche Wandlung' (a thorough transformation). You are aware of its historical connotations and how the concept of 'Gründlichkeit' has shaped German identity and engineering. In a C2 context, you might use 'gründlich' to describe the exhaustive nature of a philological study or the comprehensive scope of a legal framework. You can distinguish between 'gründlich' and its most obscure synonyms, choosing the exact word that fits the register of your discourse. Whether you are writing a technical manual, a legal brief, or a literary critique, 'gründlich' serves as a marker of your commitment to precision and your absolute command of the German language's nuances.

gründlich 30초 만에

  • Gründlich means thorough or meticulous in German.
  • It comes from the word 'Grund', meaning ground or foundation.
  • It is used for cleaning, working, thinking, and investigating.
  • It can be both an adjective (with endings) and an adverb (no endings).

The German word gründlich is a cornerstone of German culture and linguistics, often associated with the stereotypical German precision and attention to detail. At its core, it functions as both an adjective and an adverb, meaning 'thorough,' 'meticulous,' 'complete,' or 'in-depth.' To understand this word, one must look at its root: Grund, which means 'ground,' 'bottom,' or 'foundation.' When you do something gründlich, you are literally going to the bottom of it, leaving no stone unturned and ensuring that every layer is addressed.

Daily Life and Cleaning
In a domestic context, gründlich is most frequently heard when discussing cleaning. A 'Frühjahrsputz' (spring cleaning) must be gründlich. It implies not just wiping the surfaces, but moving the furniture, cleaning behind the radiators, and scrubbing the grout. If a mother tells her child to wash their hands gründlich, she means with soap, between the fingers, and for a sufficient duration.

Bevor wir in den Urlaub fahren, müssen wir das Haus gründlich aufräumen.

Professional and Academic Contexts
In professional settings, being gründlich is a highly valued trait. It describes a worker who checks their data twice, a researcher who cites every source, and an engineer who tests every component. A gründliche Untersuchung (a thorough investigation) is what you expect from the police or a medical doctor. It suggests a systematic approach where nothing is overlooked due to haste or laziness.

Der Arzt hat den Patienten gründlich untersucht, um die Ursache der Schmerzen zu finden.

Abstract and Intellectual Use
Beyond physical actions, gründlich applies to thoughts and preparations. If you 'think something through thoroughly' (etwas gründlich durchdenken), you consider all possible consequences and scenarios. This word carries a weight of seriousness; it is the opposite of being 'oberflächlich' (superficial) or 'leichtfertig' (frivolous). In German philosophy and literature, a gründliche Analyse is the standard for intellectual honesty.

Wir müssen die Vor- und Nachteile gründlich abwägen, bevor wir eine Entscheidung treffen.

Furthermore, gründlich can be used to describe the intensity of an emotion or a state of being, though this is less common. For instance, if someone is 'gründlich missverstanden' (thoroughly misunderstood), it means the misunderstanding is deep-seated and total. It emphasizes the scale of the action. Whether you are washing a car, preparing for an exam, or analyzing a political situation, gründlich tells your audience that you are committed to quality and depth over speed.

Using gründlich correctly requires understanding its role as an adverb and an adjective, as well as its common pairings with specific verbs. Because it is an 'adverbially used adjective,' its form remains 'gründlich' when modifying a verb, but it takes endings when it precedes a noun.

As an Adverb (Modifying Verbs)
When you want to say HOW an action is performed, gründlich usually follows the verb or the object. For example, 'Ich putze mein Zimmer gründlich.' Here, it describes the manner of cleaning. It is frequently paired with verbs of cleaning (putzen, reinigen), thinking (nachdenken, überlegen), and checking (prüfen, untersuchen, kontrollieren).

Bitte lies den Vertrag gründlich durch, bevor du unterschreibst.

As an Adjective (Preceding Nouns)
When it describes a noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case. For example, 'Eine gründliche Vorbereitung ist wichtig' (A thorough preparation is important). Here, 'gründliche' takes the '-e' ending because 'Vorbereitung' is feminine and in the nominative case. Common noun pairings include Arbeit, Recherche, Reinigung, and Ausbildung.

Seine gründliche Arbeitsweise wird von allen Kollegen geschätzt.

Common Verb Combinations
1. Sich gründlich vorbereiten: To prepare oneself thoroughly (e.g., for an exam).
2. Etwas gründlich missverstehen: To completely misunderstand something.
3. Jemanden gründlich hassen: To hate someone deeply (more colloquial).
4. Gründlich schiefgehen: To go completely wrong (an idiom for total failure).

Die Polizei hat das ganze Gebäude gründlich durchsucht.

In comparison to other words like sorgfältig (careful), gründlich emphasizes the 'completeness' and 'depth' rather than just the 'care.' You can be careful (sorgfältig) without being thorough (gründlich), but it is hard to be truly gründlich without also being sorgfältig. In complex sentences, gründlich can also be used in its comparative form, gründlicher, and superlative, am gründlichsten. 'Niemand arbeitet gründlicher als Maria' (No one works more thoroughly than Maria).

You will encounter gründlich in almost every facet of German life, from the mundane to the highly professional. It is not a slang word, nor is it overly poetic; it is a practical, everyday term that conveys a high standard of performance.

In the Workplace
In a German office or factory, 'gründlich' is the gold standard. A supervisor might say, 'Machen Sie das bitte gründlich!' if they feel a task is being rushed. Job advertisements often list 'eine gründliche Arbeitsweise' as a required skill. It implies that the candidate won't make sloppy mistakes. In project management, you'll hear about a 'gründliche Planung' as a prerequisite for success.

Ohne eine gründliche Analyse der Marktdaten können wir das Produkt nicht einführen.

In Schools and Universities
Teachers use this word constantly. 'Lest die Aufgabe gründlich durch!' (Read the task thoroughly!) is a common refrain during exams. Students are expected to have a 'gründliches Verständnis' (thorough understanding) of the subject matter. In academic writing, a 'gründliche Literaturrecherche' (thorough literature review) is the foundation of any thesis.

Hast du dir die Hände auch gründlich gewaschen?

In News and Media
News reports often use the word when discussing political scandals or scientific breakthroughs. 'Die Vorwürfe müssen gründlich geprüft werden' (The allegations must be thoroughly investigated). It signals to the public that the authorities are taking the matter seriously and will not provide a hasty or biased answer. It is a word that builds trust in the process.

Die Journalisten haben das Thema gründlich recherchiert.

In summary, gründlich is the word you hear when someone wants to emphasize that they are not cutting corners. It's used by parents, bosses, doctors, and news anchors alike. If you use it in your own German, you will sound like someone who values quality and precision, which is a highly respected trait in German-speaking cultures.

While gründlich is a straightforward word, English speakers often stumble over its nuances, its grammar, and its distinction from similar-sounding or similar-meaning words.

Mistake 1: Confusing it with 'Sorgfältig'
Many learners use 'sorgfältig' (careful) and 'gründlich' (thorough) interchangeably. While related, they are not the same. 'Sorgfältig' focuses on the care and caution taken to avoid mistakes. 'Gründlich' focuses on the completeness and depth of the work. You can be 'sorgfältig' while only doing half the job; you cannot be 'gründlich' without doing the whole job.

Falsch: Ich habe das Buch sorgfältig gelesen (if you mean you read every single page and footnote).
Richtig: Ich habe das Buch gründlich gelesen.

Mistake 2: Using 'Gründlich' for 'Fundamental'
Because 'gründlich' comes from 'Grund' (ground/foundation), English speakers sometimes try to use it to mean 'fundamental' or 'basic.' However, for 'fundamental,' Germans use 'grundlegend.' If you say a 'gründliche change,' a German might understand it as a change that was executed thoroughly, but if you mean a 'fundamental change' in policy, 'grundlegende Änderung' is the correct term.

Das ist ein grundlegendes Problem (Fundamental problem), nicht ein gründliches Problem.

Mistake 3: Adjective Endings
As with many German adjectives, learners often forget to add endings when using it before a noun. 'Ein gründlich Check' is incorrect; it must be 'Ein gründlicher Check' (masculine nominative). Conversely, they sometimes add endings when it's an adverb: 'Er arbeitet gründliche' is wrong; it must be 'Er arbeitet gründlich.'

Sie hat die Küche gründlich geputzt (Adverb - no ending).
Das war eine gründliche Reinigung (Adjective - with ending).

Mistake 4: Pronunciation of 'ü'
English speakers often pronounce the 'ü' like an 'u' (as in 'mood') or an 'i' (as in 'bit'). To pronounce 'gründlich' correctly, you must round your lips as if to say 'u' but try to say 'ee.' If you pronounce it as 'grundlich' (like the English 'ground'), it sounds like a completely different, non-existent word.

Finally, avoid using 'gründlich' to mean 'deep' in a physical sense (like a 'deep hole'). For that, use 'tief.' 'Gründlich' is for depth of process, not depth of space. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will avoid the most common pitfalls and use the word like a native speaker.

To truly master gründlich, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. German is a language of precision, and choosing the right word for 'thorough' can change the tone of your sentence significantly.

Sorgfältig vs. Gründlich
Sorgfältig means 'careful' or 'diligent.' It implies that you are taking care not to damage something or make a mistake. Gründlich implies that you are doing the job completely, from top to bottom. Example: You can wrap a gift sorgfältig (carefully), but you clean a room gründlich (thoroughly).
Gewissenhaft vs. Gründlich
Gewissenhaft means 'conscientious.' It is more about the person's character and their sense of duty. A gewissenhafter worker is someone who feels a moral obligation to do their job right. Gründlich describes the result or the method itself. You can be gewissenhaft and as a result, work gründlich.
Akribisch vs. Gründlich
Akribisch is a step above gründlich. It means 'meticulous' or 'painstaking.' It often has a slightly more scientific or formal feel. If you are akribisch, you are obsessed with the tiniest details, perhaps even more than is strictly necessary. It is often used for historical research or forensic investigations.

Der Detektiv untersuchte den Tatort akribisch, um auch die kleinsten Hinweise zu finden.

Detailliert vs. Gründlich
Detailliert simply means 'detailed.' It describes a thing (like a map or a plan) that has many details. Gründlich describes the action of looking at or creating those details. A detaillierter Plan is the result of gründlicher Überlegung.
Umfassend vs. Gründlich
Umfassend means 'comprehensive' or 'extensive.' It focuses on the breadth of something—how much area it covers. Gründlich focuses on the depth. A report can be umfassend because it covers many topics, but each topic might not be handled gründlich.

Wir bieten eine umfassende Beratung an, die alle rechtlichen Aspekte gründlich beleuchtet.

In casual conversation, you might also use total or komplett as a substitute for gründlich when it means 'completely,' but these lack the professional and qualitative nuance of gründlich. For instance, 'Ich bin total fertig' (I am totally finished/exhausted) is fine, but 'Ich habe die Hausaufgaben total gemacht' sounds slightly childish compared to 'Ich habe die Hausaufgaben gründlich erledigt.'

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word is a perfect example of how German uses spatial metaphors (the ground) to describe intellectual or qualitative depth.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈɡrʏntlɪç/
US /ˈɡrʊntlɪk/
Stress is on the first syllable: GRÜND-lich.
라임이 맞는 단어
mündlich stündlich entzündlich unentzündlich befindlich verbindlich unverbindlich kindlich
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the 'ü' as a simple 'u'.
  • Pronouncing the 'ch' as a hard 'k'.
  • Forgetting the 'd' sound in the middle.
  • Stress on the second syllable.
  • Confusing it with 'grundlich' (no umlaut).

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize once the root 'Grund' is known.

쓰기 3/5

Adjective endings can be tricky for learners.

말하기 4/5

The 'ü' and 'ch' sounds are difficult for many non-native speakers.

듣기 2/5

Usually clear and well-enunciated in formal contexts.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

der Grund putzen lesen arbeiten gut

다음에 배울 것

sorgfältig akribisch grundlegend grundsätzlich die Gründlichkeit

고급

die Gewissenhaftigkeit die Akribie die Tiefgründigkeit die Oberflächlichkeit die Nachlässigkeit

알아야 할 문법

Adjective Endings

Eine gründliche Analyse.

Adverbial usage of adjectives

Er arbeitet gründlich (no ending).

Comparative and Superlative

gründlich, gründlicher, am gründlichsten.

Separable Verbs with Adverbs

Ich räume gründlich auf.

Word order in main clauses

Ich putze mein Zimmer gründlich.

수준별 예문

1

Putz dein Zimmer gründlich!

Clean your room thoroughly!

Adverbial use: no ending.

2

Wasch dir die Hände gründlich.

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Imperative sentence.

3

Lerne die Wörter gründlich.

Learn the words thoroughly.

Focus on the quality of learning.

4

Das Auto ist gründlich sauber.

The car is thoroughly clean.

Adverb modifying an adjective (sauber).

5

Wir essen gründlich.

We eat thoroughly (meaning carefully/completely).

Less common but possible in context.

6

Er liest das Buch gründlich.

He reads the book thoroughly.

Describes the manner of reading.

7

Koche das Gemüse gründlich.

Cook the vegetables thoroughly.

Safety instruction in cooking.

8

Sie macht ihre Hausaufgaben gründlich.

She does her homework thoroughly.

Common description of a good student.

1

Ich habe die Wohnung gründlich aufgeräumt.

I tidied up the apartment thoroughly.

Perfekt tense with 'aufgeräumt'.

2

Du musst die Zähne gründlich putzen.

You must brush your teeth thoroughly.

Modal verb 'müssen' + infinitive.

3

Wir brauchen eine gründliche Reinigung.

We need a thorough cleaning.

Adjective with feminine ending '-e'.

4

Der Lehrer erklärt das Thema gründlich.

The teacher explains the topic thoroughly.

Present tense.

5

Bereite dich gründlich auf das Gespräch vor.

Prepare yourself thoroughly for the conversation.

Reflexive verb 'sich vorbereiten'.

6

Hat der Arzt dich gründlich untersucht?

Did the doctor examine you thoroughly?

Question in Perfekt tense.

7

Das ist eine gründliche Arbeit.

That is a thorough piece of work.

Adjective use.

8

Spül das Geschirr gründlich ab.

Rinse the dishes thoroughly.

Separable verb 'abspülen'.

1

Wir müssen die Pläne gründlich diskutieren.

We must discuss the plans thoroughly.

Plural object 'die Pläne'.

2

Sie hat sich gründlich über das Land informiert.

She informed herself thoroughly about the country.

Reflexive 'sich informieren'.

3

Eine gründliche Vorbereitung ist der halbe Erfolg.

Thorough preparation is half the success.

Proverbial usage.

4

Der Detektiv hat das Zimmer gründlich durchsucht.

The detective searched the room thoroughly.

Separable verb 'durchsuchen'.

5

Ich habe das Problem gründlich durchdacht.

I have thought the problem through thoroughly.

Verb 'durchdenken' in Perfekt.

6

Er ist für seine gründliche Arbeitsweise bekannt.

He is known for his thorough way of working.

Genitive/Dative context after 'für'.

7

Die Polizei prüft den Fall sehr gründlich.

The police are checking the case very thoroughly.

Use of 'sehr' for intensification.

8

Man sollte die Anleitung gründlich lesen.

One should read the instructions thoroughly.

Impersonal 'man'.

1

Die Daten wurden gründlich analysiert.

The data was thoroughly analyzed.

Passive voice 'wurden analysiert'.

2

Wir benötigen eine gründliche Marktforschung.

We require thorough market research.

Formal verb 'benötigen'.

3

Er hat die Situation gründlich missverstanden.

He thoroughly misunderstood the situation.

Abstract usage with 'missverstehen'.

4

Die Renovierung muss gründlich geplant werden.

The renovation must be planned thoroughly.

Passive with modal verb.

5

Das Gesetz wurde gründlich überarbeitet.

The law was thoroughly revised.

Formal context.

6

Sie geht bei ihrer Recherche sehr gründlich vor.

She proceeds very thoroughly in her research.

Phrase 'vorgehen bei'.

7

Ein gründliches Verständnis der Grammatik ist nötig.

A thorough understanding of grammar is necessary.

Neuter adjective ending '-es'.

8

Die Fehler wurden gründlich korrigiert.

The errors were thoroughly corrected.

Focus on completion.

1

Die wissenschaftliche Arbeit erfordert eine gründliche Vorgehensweise.

Scientific work requires a thorough approach.

High-level vocabulary.

2

Wir haben das Für und Wider gründlich abgewogen.

We have thoroughly weighed the pros and cons.

Idiomatic expression 'abwägen'.

3

Diese Theorie bedarf einer gründlichen Revision.

This theory requires a thorough revision.

Genitive case after 'bedarf'.

4

Die Journalisten recherchierten die Hintergründe gründlich.

The journalists researched the background thoroughly.

Focus on investigative depth.

5

Er hat sich gründlich in die Materie eingearbeitet.

He has familiarized himself thoroughly with the subject matter.

Reflexive 'sich einarbeiten'.

6

Die gründliche Aufarbeitung der Vergangenheit ist wichtig.

The thorough processing of the past is important.

Political/historical context.

7

Das System wurde einem gründlichen Stresstest unterzogen.

The system was subjected to a thorough stress test.

Technical/Formal usage.

8

Sie hat die Argumente der Gegenseite gründlich entkräftet.

She thoroughly debunked the opponent's arguments.

Rhetorical context.

1

Die philologische Untersuchung war von beispielloser Gründlichkeit.

The philological investigation was of unprecedented thoroughness.

Noun form 'Gründlichkeit'.

2

Es mangelt der Studie an einer gründlichen Methodik.

The study lacks a thorough methodology.

Dative after 'mangelt an'.

3

Wir müssen die systemischen Ursachen gründlich eruieren.

We must thoroughly ascertain the systemic causes.

Academic verb 'eruieren'.

4

Seine gründliche Kenntnis der antiken Texte ist beeindruckend.

His thorough knowledge of ancient texts is impressive.

Formal adjective use.

5

Die Vorwürfe wurden nach einer gründlichen Prüfung fallen gelassen.

The allegations were dropped after a thorough examination.

Legal context.

6

Eine gründliche Neuausrichtung des Unternehmens ist unumgänglich.

A thorough realignment of the company is unavoidable.

Business strategy context.

7

Die Autorin setzt sich gründlich mit der Identitätsthematik auseinander.

The author deals thoroughly with the topic of identity.

Verb 'sich auseinandersetzen'.

8

Die Substanz muss gründlich auf ihre Reinheit getestet werden.

The substance must be thoroughly tested for its purity.

Scientific precision.

자주 쓰는 조합

gründlich reinigen
gründlich untersuchen
gründlich vorbereiten
gründlich nachdenken
gründlich prüfen
gründlich recherchieren
gründlich waschen
gründlich missverstehen
gründlich aufräumen
gründlich durchlesen

자주 쓰는 구문

Etwas von Grund auf gründlich machen

— To do something thoroughly from the very beginning.

Wir müssen das Projekt von Grund auf gründlich neu planen.

Gründlich die Nase voll haben

— To be completely fed up with something.

Ich habe gründlich die Nase voll von diesem Regen!

Sich gründlich irren

— To be completely mistaken about something.

Wenn du das glaubst, irrst du dich gründlich.

Eine gründliche Abrechnung

— A thorough settling of accounts (often metaphorical).

Nach der Wahl gab es eine gründliche Abrechnung mit der Parteispitze.

Gründlich schiefgehen

— To go completely wrong.

Der ganze Plan ist gründlich schiefgegangen.

Gründlich ausmisten

— To thoroughly declutter or clear out.

Ich muss meinen Kleiderschrank mal wieder gründlich ausmisten.

Gründlich renovieren

— To renovate a place completely.

Sie haben das alte Haus gründlich renoviert.

Gründlich informieren

— To inform someone completely.

Bitte informieren Sie mich gründlich über die Risiken.

Gründlich überlegen

— To think about something with great care.

Überleg dir das gründlich, bevor du kündigst.

Gründlich lüften

— To air out a room thoroughly.

Morgens sollte man das Schlafzimmer gründlich lüften.

자주 혼동되는 단어

gründlich vs grundlegend

Means 'fundamental' or 'basic', not 'thorough'.

gründlich vs sorgfältig

Means 'careful'; thoroughness is about completeness, care is about precision.

gründlich vs tief

Means 'deep' in a physical sense (like a hole).

관용어 및 표현

"Gründlichkeit vor Schnelligkeit"

— Thoroughness before speed. A common German motto.

In dieser Firma gilt: Gründlichkeit vor Schnelligkeit.

professional
"Jemanden gründlich den Marsch blasen"

— To give someone a thorough scolding.

Der Chef hat ihm gründlich den Marsch geblasen.

informal
"Etwas gründlich auf den Zahn fühlen"

— To examine something or someone very closely/critically.

Wir müssen diesem Angebot mal gründlich auf den Zahn fühlen.

idiomatic
"Gründlich unter die Lupe nehmen"

— To take a thorough look at something (under the magnifying glass).

Die Experten nehmen den Bericht gründlich unter die Lupe.

neutral
"Sich gründlich die Finger verbrennen"

— To suffer a thorough failure or get into trouble by being careless.

An der Börse hat er sich gründlich die Finger verbrannt.

informal
"Gründlich reinen Tisch machen"

— To make a clean sweep or settle things once and for all.

Wir müssen jetzt mal gründlich reinen Tisch machen.

neutral
"Gründlich danebenliegen"

— To be completely wrong.

Mit deiner Vermutung liegst du gründlich daneben.

informal
"Gründlich aus der Fassung bringen"

— To thoroughly unsettle or upset someone.

Die Nachricht hat sie gründlich aus der Fassung gebracht.

neutral
"Gründlich verpatzen"

— To mess something up completely.

Er hat die Prüfung gründlich verpatzt.

informal
"Gründlich aufräumen mit (Vorurteilen)"

— To thoroughly do away with (prejudices).

Wir müssen mit diesen alten Vorurteilen gründlich aufräumen.

formal

혼동하기 쉬운

gründlich vs grundlegend

Both come from 'Grund'.

'Grundlegend' describes the nature of a thing (fundamental), while 'gründlich' describes how a task is done (thorough).

Ein grundlegendes Problem vs. eine gründliche Suche.

gründlich vs grundsätzlich

Both come from 'Grund'.

'Grundsätzlich' means 'in principle' or 'fundamentally'.

Ich bin grundsätzlich dafür.

gründlich vs sorgfältig

Both mean doing something well.

'Sorgfältig' is about being careful and avoiding errors; 'gründlich' is about being exhaustive.

Sorgfältig schreiben vs. gründlich recherchieren.

gründlich vs akribisch

Both mean very detailed.

'Akribisch' is much more intense and often used in academic or forensic contexts.

Akribische Kleinarbeit.

gründlich vs komplett

Both can mean 'totally'.

'Komplett' is about quantity; 'gründlich' is about quality and depth.

Das Haus ist komplett leer vs. das Haus wurde gründlich gereinigt.

문장 패턴

A2

Ich habe [Objekt] gründlich [Verb].

Ich habe das Auto gründlich gewaschen.

A2

Du musst [Objekt] gründlich [Verb].

Du musst die Zähne gründlich putzen.

B1

Eine gründliche [Nomen] ist [Adjektiv].

Eine gründliche Vorbereitung ist wichtig.

B1

Sich gründlich auf [Etwas] vorbereiten.

Ich bereite mich gründlich auf die Prüfung vor.

B2

[Etwas] wurde gründlich [Verb-Partizip].

Der Fall wurde gründlich untersucht.

B2

Gründlich über [Etwas] nachdenken.

Wir müssen gründlich über das Angebot nachdenken.

C1

Es bedarf einer gründlichen [Nomen-Genitiv].

Es bedarf einer gründlichen Analyse.

C1

Sich gründlich mit [Thema] auseinandersetzen.

Sie setzt sich gründlich mit der Politik auseinander.

어휘 가족

명사

die Gründlichkeit
der Grund
die Begründung
die Grundierung

동사

gründen
begründen
ergründen
grundieren

형용사

grundlegend
grundsätzlich
gründlich
grundlos

관련

Hintergrund
Vordergrund
Untergrund
Abgrund
Baugrund

사용법

frequency

Common in both spoken and written German.

자주 하는 실수
  • Ich putze gründliche. Ich putze gründlich.

    As an adverb, there is no ending.

  • Ein gründlich Check. Ein gründlicher Check.

    As an adjective, it needs an ending based on gender and case.

  • Das ist ein gründliches Problem. Das ist ein grundlegendes Problem.

    'Gründlich' is for actions/depth of work; 'grundlegend' is for fundamental nature.

  • Ich habe das Buch sorgfältig gelesen. Ich habe das Buch gründlich gelesen.

    Use 'gründlich' if you mean you read every part of it in depth.

  • Er ist sehr grundlich. Er ist sehr gründlich.

    Don't forget the umlaut 'ü'!

Adverb vs Adjective

Remember: No ending if it describes a verb ('Er arbeitet gründlich'). Use endings if it describes a noun ('Eine gründliche Arbeit').

German Standards

If a German boss tells you to work 'gründlich', they are asking for high quality, not just speed. Don't cut corners!

The Ich-Laut

The 'ch' at the end of 'gründlich' is the soft 'ich-laut', like a hissed 'h' sound, not a hard 'k'.

Common Verbs

Learn it with 'putzen', 'recherchieren', 'nachdenken', and 'untersuchen'. These are the most common pairings.

Formal Contexts

In essays, use 'gründlich' to describe your research or analysis to show academic rigor.

The Ground Rule

If you are 'gründlich', you are touching the 'Grund' (ground). You aren't just floating on the surface.

Umlaut Alert

Listen carefully for the 'ü'. If you hear 'u', it might be 'Grund' (noun) or 'grundlos' (adjective).

Emphasis

You can use 'sehr gründlich' to emphasize just how thorough something was.

Failure Idiom

If something goes 'gründlich schief', it means it was a total disaster.

Level Up

Moving from A2 to B1 means using 'gründlich' for abstract things like 'thinking' or 'misunderstanding'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the 'Ground'. If you are 'gründlich', you go all the way down to the GROUND of the matter.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person with a magnifying glass looking at the very bottom of a deep well.

Word Web

Grund Boden Tiefe Sauberkeit Präzision Arbeit Prüfung Analyse

챌린지

Try to use 'gründlich' three times today: once for cleaning, once for thinking, and once for checking something.

어원

Derived from the Middle High German word 'gruntlīch', which comes from 'grunt' (ground/bottom).

원래 의미: Originally meant 'reaching the bottom' or 'deep'.

Germanic.

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to sound too demanding when telling others to work 'gründlich', as it can imply they are being lazy.

English speakers might use 'thorough' or 'meticulous', but 'gründlich' carries a stronger cultural weight of duty in German.

Deutsche Gründlichkeit (General concept) Immanuel Kant's 'gründliche' philosophical investigations The 'Stiftung Warentest' (German consumer organization known for 'gründliche' tests)

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Housework

  • Staub wischen
  • den Boden schrubben
  • Fenster putzen
  • gründlich aufräumen

Education

  • Vokabeln lernen
  • den Text lesen
  • sich vorbereiten
  • gründlich durchdenken

Medicine

  • den Patienten untersuchen
  • Blut abnehmen
  • eine Diagnose stellen
  • gründlich durchchecken

Business

  • Daten analysieren
  • einen Bericht schreiben
  • den Markt prüfen
  • gründliche Recherche

Police/Law

  • den Tatort sichern
  • Beweise prüfen
  • Zeugen befragen
  • gründlich durchsuchen

대화 시작하기

"Wie gründlich putzt du normalerweise deine Wohnung?"

"Findest du, dass die Deutschen wirklich so gründlich sind, wie man sagt?"

"Musst du dich für deine Arbeit immer gründlich vorbereiten?"

"Wann hast du das letzte Mal etwas so richtig gründlich gemacht?"

"Ist Gründlichkeit wichtiger als Schnelligkeit?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du nicht gründlich genug warst. Was ist passiert?

Warum ist Gründlichkeit in deinem Beruf oder Studium wichtig?

Was bedeutet 'Deutsche Gründlichkeit' für dich persönlich?

Schreibe über einen Tag, an dem du dein ganzes Haus gründlich aufgeräumt hast.

Wie kann man lernen, gründlicher zu arbeiten?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, although it is very common in cleaning contexts, it is used in any situation requiring depth and completeness, such as academic research, medical exams, or thinking about a problem.

'Gründlich' means thorough or exhaustive (doing every part), while 'sorgfältig' means careful or diligent (doing it without mistakes). Often they happen together.

Yes, but you must add the correct adjective endings. For example: 'eine gründliche Untersuchung' (a thorough investigation).

Round your lips as if to say 'u' but try to say 'ee'. It is a short vowel sound in this word.

It is neutral. It is used in everyday conversation ('gründlich putzen') as well as in formal academic or business contexts ('gründliche Analyse').

It is a stereotype referring to the German tendency to be extremely thorough, precise, and systematic in their work and planning.

Yes, but usually to emphasize the extent of a state, like 'gründlich missverstanden' (thoroughly misunderstood) or 'gründlich die Nase voll haben' (to be totally fed up).

In German culture, 'Gründlichkeit' is often valued over 'Schnelligkeit' because it implies higher quality and fewer long-term problems.

The most common opposites are 'oberflächlich' (superficial) and 'nachlässig' (careless/negligent).

Yes, 'Grund' means ground or bottom. Being 'gründlich' means going to the very bottom of a matter.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence about cleaning your room using 'gründlich'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'A thorough preparation is important.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a thorough person in German.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'gründlich nachdenken'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The doctor examined the child thoroughly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'gründlich' to describe a mistake.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why 'gründlich' is important at work.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Read the instructions thoroughly!'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'gründlich' in a sentence about a science project.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with 'gründlich' as an adjective (fem. nom.).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I am thoroughly fed up with this weather.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe your last 'Frühjahrsputz' using 'gründlich'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'gründlich' in a sentence about a conversation.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The police searched the car thoroughly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with 'gründlich' as an adjective (masc. nom.).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'She misunderstood the situation thoroughly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'gründlich' to describe learning German.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'We need a thorough analysis of the data.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about washing hands using 'gründlich'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The renovation was very thorough.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I clean my room thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Please read the text thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The doctor examines the patient thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'We need a thorough analysis.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I prepared myself thoroughly for the exam.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'That went thoroughly wrong.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'You misunderstood me thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I have to think about it thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Wash your hands thoroughly!'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'He works very thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The house was thoroughly renovated.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Check the facts thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I am thoroughly fed up.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The police searched the area thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'A thorough research is necessary.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I'll tidy up thoroughly tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The data was thoroughly checked.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Think thoroughly before you decide.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'It was a thorough success.' (Note: 'durchschlagender Erfolg' is more common, but use gründlich for practice)

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'You have to brush your teeth thoroughly.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich putze heute gründlich.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Eine gründliche Arbeit.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Der Arzt untersucht gründlich.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wir planen gründlich.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Gründlich durchlesen bitte.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Das ist gründlich schiefgegangen.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich habe gründlich nachgedacht.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wasch die Hände gründlich.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Gründliche Vorbereitung ist wichtig.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Die Polizei sucht gründlich.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ein gründlicher Check.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Gründlich missverstanden.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Die Analyse war gründlich.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Gründlich aufräumen.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Er arbeitet gründlich.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
error correction

Ich putze gründliche mein Zimmer.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Ich putze gründlich mein Zimmer.
error correction

Das ist ein gründlich Check.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Das ist ein gründlicher Check.
error correction

Wir brauchen eine gründlich Reinigung.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Wir brauchen eine gründliche Reinigung.
error correction

Er hat das Buch grundlich gelesen.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Er hat das Buch gründlich gelesen.
error correction

Ich habe die Nase gründliche voll.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Ich habe gründlich die Nase voll.
error correction

Das ist gründlich schiefgegangen ist.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Das ist gründlich schiefgegangen.
error correction

Er arbeitet gründlicher als ich am gründlichsten.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Er arbeitet gründlicher als ich.
error correction

Der Arzt hat mich gründlich untersuchte.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Der Arzt hat mich gründlich untersucht.
error correction

Lies gründlich der Text.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Lies den Text gründlich.
error correction

Sie hat gründlich recherchieren.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Sie hat gründlich recherchiert.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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