Meaning
Indicating an excessive quantity or amount.
Cultural Background
Germans value directness. Saying 'Das ist zu viel' is seen as efficient, not rude. Austrians might add 'ein bisschen' (a little) to soften the blow. Swiss German speakers often use 'z'viel' in dialect, but 'zu viel' is standard. In a professional setting, it is often paired with a reason.
Add 'mir'
Always add 'mir' if you want to express how you feel personally.
Don't be rude
Use a polite tone so it doesn't sound like a complaint.
Meaning
Indicating an excessive quantity or amount.
Add 'mir'
Always add 'mir' if you want to express how you feel personally.
Don't be rude
Use a polite tone so it doesn't sound like a complaint.
Use it to negotiate
It's a great tool for price negotiation at markets.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Der Preis ist 1000 Euro. Das ist ___ ___.
'Zu viel' is the correct adverbial phrase for 'too much'.
Which sentence is more natural for expressing personal overwhelm?
Choose the best option:
Adding 'mir' is the most idiomatic way to express personal feeling.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Soll ich dir noch mehr helfen?' B: 'Nein danke, ___ ___ ___.'
This is the most natural way to decline help.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
When a price is too high, what do you say?
Used for excessive quantities or costs.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Preis ist 1000 Euro. Das ist ___ ___.
'Zu viel' is the correct adverbial phrase for 'too much'.
Choose the best option:
Adding 'mir' is the most idiomatic way to express personal feeling.
A: 'Soll ich dir noch mehr helfen?' B: 'Nein danke, ___ ___ ___.'
This is the most natural way to decline help.
When a price is too high, what do you say?
Used for excessive quantities or costs.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it's very common.
Not if your tone is polite.
It doesn't have a plural.
No, 'viel' is uncountable here.
Add 'ein bisschen' (a little).
It's neutral.
Yes, 'Das ist zu viel Zeit'.
Use it for countable things like 'zu viele Äpfel'.
Yes, to set boundaries.
Yes, it's fine in emails.
'Das ist zu wenig'.
It's the dative case for 'to me'.
Related Phrases
Das ist zu viel des Guten
specialized formToo much of a good thing.
Das ist mir zu viel
builds onThat is too much for me.
Das ist zu wenig
contrastThat is too little.
Das ist genug
contrastThat is enough.
