Meaning
An exclamation of strong approval or excellence.
Cultural Background
In German schools, 'Sehr gut' is the highest grade (1). It is a mark of pride and often rewarded by parents with money or gifts. While Germans use 1 as the best grade, the Swiss grading system is reversed: 6 is 'Sehr gut' and 1 is the worst. Be careful when comparing report cards! Germans value efficiency and directness. A 'Sehr gut' from a boss is a high compliment, as they don't usually give praise unless it is truly earned. When invited to dinner, saying 'Das Essen ist sehr gut' is mandatory to show respect to the host.
The 'Eins' Connection
Remember that 'Sehr gut' is the number 1 grade. If you see a '1' on a German paper, think 'Sehr gut!'
Avoid 'Viel'
Never say 'Viel gut'. It is the most common beginner mistake. Stick to 'Sehr'.
Meaning
An exclamation of strong approval or excellence.
The 'Eins' Connection
Remember that 'Sehr gut' is the number 1 grade. If you see a '1' on a German paper, think 'Sehr gut!'
Avoid 'Viel'
Never say 'Viel gut'. It is the most common beginner mistake. Stick to 'Sehr'.
Understatement
If a German says 'Nicht schlecht' (Not bad), they often mean 'Sehr gut'. Don't be offended!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'Very good'.
____ gut!
'Sehr' is the standard intensifier for adjectives like 'gut'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A: Das ist ein sehr gut Tag. B: Das ist ein sehr guter Tag.
When 'gut' is before a masculine noun like 'Tag', it needs the ending '-er'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Kellner: 'Wie schmeckt die Suppe?' Gast: '________, danke!'
'Sehr gut' is the standard way to praise food quality.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just received a grade of 1.0 on your exam.
In Germany, a 1.0 is the 'Sehr gut' grade.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Praise in German
Where to use 'Sehr gut!'
School
- • Grades
- • Answers
- • Homework
Food
- • Taste
- • Service
- • Atmosphere
Social
- • Plans
- • News
- • Health
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ gut!
'Sehr' is the standard intensifier for adjectives like 'gut'.
A: Das ist ein sehr gut Tag. B: Das ist ein sehr guter Tag.
When 'gut' is before a masculine noun like 'Tag', it needs the ending '-er'.
Kellner: 'Wie schmeckt die Suppe?' Gast: '________, danke!'
'Sehr gut' is the standard way to praise food quality.
You just received a grade of 1.0 on your exam.
In Germany, a 1.0 is the 'Sehr gut' grade.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, but usually with a noun, like 'Er ist ein {sehr|m} {guter|m} {Lehrer|m}'. Just saying 'Er ist sehr gut' usually refers to his skills, not his personality.
'Super' is more informal and enthusiastic. 'Sehr gut' is more objective and standard.
It's the same: 'Sehr gut'. German doesn't distinguish between 'good' and 'well' in this context.
Yes! If someone asks 'Wie geht's?', 'Sehr gut' is a perfect answer.
In texting, people sometimes just write 'Sehr gut' or use a thumbs-up emoji.
It's a form of cultural understatement. It sounds more humble.
Yes, 'sehr toll' is possible, but 'echt toll' or 'super toll' is more common.
Yes, in modern German it is almost exclusively used as an intensifier for adjectives and adverbs.
'Sehr schlecht' (Very bad) or 'Gar nicht gut' (Not at all good).
Related Phrases
Ausgezeichnet
synonymExcellent
Prima
similarGreat/Fine
Toll
similarGreat/Awesome
Ganz gut
contrastQuite good / Okay
Nicht schlecht
similarNot bad
