This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 adverb 10 min read

ziemlich

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ziemlich in 30 Seconds

Explanation ziemlich in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'ziemlich' is used as a simple intensifier to help you describe things more accurately. Instead of just saying something is 'gut' (good) or 'kalt' (cold), you can say it is 'ziemlich gut' (quite good) or 'ziemlich kalt' (quite cold). This level of detail is very helpful when talking about the weather, food, or your feelings. At this stage, you should focus on placing 'ziemlich' directly before the adjective you want to describe. You don't need to worry about changing the word 'ziemlich'—it always stays the same. It is a 'helper word' that makes your basic sentences sound much more like how a real German person speaks. Think of it as a step up from 'sehr' (very), allowing you to express that something is 'pretty much' a certain way without being 100% extreme. For example, if you are 'ziemlich müde', you are tired enough to want to go to bed, but you can still finish your conversation. Learning 'ziemlich' at A1 gives you a lot of descriptive power with very little grammatical effort.

As you move to A2, you will start using 'ziemlich' in more varied contexts, such as describing people's personalities or comparing experiences. You will notice it appearing in more complex sentences, like 'Das Hotel war ziemlich teuer, aber der Service war sehr gut.' Here, 'ziemlich' helps create a contrast. At A2, you should also start recognizing common phrases like 'ziemlich oft' (quite often) and 'ziemlich viel' (quite a lot). You will also learn that 'ziemlich' can modify adverbs, not just adjectives. For instance, 'Er fährt ziemlich schnell' (He drives quite fast). You are beginning to use the word to provide more nuanced feedback. When someone asks you how your German course is going, saying 'Es ist ziemlich schwer' (It is quite difficult) shows a better grasp of the language than just saying 'Es ist schwer'. You are starting to understand that 'ziemlich' is a subjective word—what is 'ziemlich groß' to one person might be 'sehr groß' to another, and you are using this to express your own perspective.

At the B1 level, 'ziemlich' becomes a tool for expressing opinions and discussing abstract topics. You will use it to qualify your statements and avoid sounding too dogmatic or absolute. For example, instead of saying 'Das ist ein Fehler' (That is a mistake), you might say 'Das ist ziemlich sicher ein Fehler' (That is pretty certainly a mistake), which sounds more natural and slightly more cautious. You will also encounter 'ziemlich' in written texts like newspaper articles or emails, where it is used to describe trends or social situations. At this stage, you should be able to distinguish 'ziemlich' from its synonyms like 'recht' or 'einigermaßen'. You will understand that 'ziemlich' is generally stronger than 'einigermaßen' but less formal than 'recht'. You will also use 'ziemlich' to describe quantities in a more sophisticated way, such as 'Es gab ziemlich viele Leute bei der Veranstaltung' (There were quite a few people at the event). Your ability to use 'ziemlich' correctly in different tenses (past, present, future) becomes more fluid, even though the word itself remains unchanged.

By B2, you are expected to use 'ziemlich' with a high degree of naturalness and idiomatic accuracy. You will start to use it for rhetorical effect or to add emphasis to your arguments. For instance, in a debate, you might say, 'Das ist eine ziemlich gewagte Behauptung' (That is a rather bold claim). You will also understand the subtle differences in tone that 'ziemlich' can convey. In some contexts, it can be used ironically or as an understatement. You will also become familiar with more advanced collocations, such as 'ziemlich ausgeglichen' (quite balanced) or 'ziemlich heruntergekommen' (quite run-down). At this level, you should be comfortable using 'ziemlich' in professional environments to soften criticism or to provide realistic assessments. For example, 'Die Verhandlungen waren ziemlich zäh' (The negotiations were quite tough/slow). You are now using 'ziemlich' not just to describe, but to influence the tone of the conversation and to show a deeper understanding of German social nuances.

At the C1 level, 'ziemlich' is used with precision in complex, high-level discussions. You will use it to indicate specific degrees of intensity in academic or professional writing. You will also recognize it in literature, where it might be used to create a specific atmosphere or to characterize a speaker's voice. At this level, you are aware of the stylistic differences between 'ziemlich' and more formal alternatives like 'verhältnismäßig' or 'beträchtlich'. You can use 'ziemlich' to navigate delicate social situations, where its ability to function as an 'approximate' intensifier is invaluable. You will also understand how 'ziemlich' interacts with other modal particles and adverbs to create very specific meanings. For example, 'Das ist ja ziemlich offensichtlich' (That is, after all, quite obvious). Your usage of 'ziemlich' is now indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, and you can even use it to express subtle shades of irony, skepticism, or surprise.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'ziemlich' in all its linguistic glory. You understand its historical development and how it fits into the broader system of German intensifiers. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, from legal discussions to poetic expressions. You are aware of regional nuances in its usage and can adapt your speech accordingly. You can use 'ziemlich' to manipulate the pace and tone of long, complex narratives or speeches. You understand the subtle pragmatic implications of using 'ziemlich' versus omitting it. For a C2 learner, 'ziemlich' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a finely tuned instrument for communication. You can use it to express the most delicate of distinctions, ensuring that your German is not only correct but also stylistically sophisticated and culturally resonant. You might use it in a phrase like 'eine ziemlich prekäre Angelegenheit' (a rather precarious matter) to perfectly capture the gravity of a situation with just the right amount of linguistic restraint.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ziemlich in 30 Seconds

Ziemlich is a common German adverb meaning 'quite', 'rather', or 'pretty'. It is used to show a moderate to high degree of a quality.
It always stays the same (no endings) and usually comes right before the adjective or adverb it is describing in a sentence.
It is stronger than 'a little bit' but not as strong as 'very', making it perfect for balanced descriptions and opinions.
You will hear it everywhere: in daily conversations, news reports, and formal writing, making it a vital word for all learners.

The German adverb ziemlich is one of the most versatile and frequently used tools in a German speaker's daily vocabulary. At its core, it serves as a 'grading' or 'degree' adverb, functioning much like the English words quite, rather, pretty, or fairly. When you use ziemlich, you are indicating that a quality or quantity is significant but not absolute. It sits comfortably on the scale of intensity between 'ein bisschen' (a little bit) and 'sehr' (very).

The Middle Ground: In German communication, precision is often valued, but so is nuance. Ziemlich allows a speaker to express that something has reached a notable level without committing to the intensity of 'sehr'. For example, if a room is 'ziemlich warm', it is warm enough that you might notice it or take off a jacket, but it isn't necessarily stifling.

Der Film war ziemlich gut, aber nicht perfekt.

Translation: The movie was quite good, but not perfect.

Historically, the word derives from the verb ziemen, which means 'to befit' or 'to be appropriate'. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from 'appropriately' to 'considerably' or 'to a fair degree'. Today, it is used in almost every context imaginable, from describing the weather to expressing emotional states or evaluating prices.

Emphasis and Understatement: Germans often use ziemlich as a form of polite understatement or, conversely, to add weight to a complaint. If someone says 'Das ist ziemlich teuer', they are signaling that the price is higher than expected and perhaps a bit unreasonable.

Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass wir hier richtig sind.

Translation: I am pretty sure that we are in the right place.

Interestingly, ziemlich is almost always used with adjectives or other adverbs. It is rare to see it modifying a verb directly. You wouldn't say 'Ich ziemlich esse', but you would say 'Ich esse ziemlich viel'. This structural consistency makes it an easy word for beginners to integrate into their speech early on.

Subjective Nature: Because ziemlich is subjective, its meaning can change based on the speaker's tone. In a sarcastic tone, 'Das ist ziemlich schlau' could mean the opposite. However, in standard A1-B1 German, it is a reliable indicator of moderate-to-high intensity.

Es ist heute ziemlich windig draußen.

Die Prüfung war ziemlich schwer für mich.

The grammatical application of ziemlich is straightforward, which is good news for learners. Its primary role is that of a modifier. It adds a layer of description to adjectives and other adverbs, helping you avoid repetitive use of 'sehr' (very) while maintaining a high level of descriptive detail.

Positioning Before Adjectives: The most common placement for ziemlich is immediately before the adjective it qualifies. In the sentence 'Das Haus ist ziemlich groß,' the word ziemlich tells us the house isn't just big, it's notably big. This structure remains consistent whether the adjective is at the end of the sentence or part of a noun phrase.

Wir haben ein ziemlich altes Auto gekauft.

Translation: We bought a fairly old car.

Notice that ziemlich itself does not change its ending (declension). Only the adjective that follows it will change its ending based on the noun's gender, case, and number. This makes ziemlich an 'invariant' adverb, providing a reprieve from the complexities of German grammar.

Modifying Other Adverbs: Just as it modifies adjectives, ziemlich can modify other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. If someone speaks 'ziemlich leise' (quite quietly), the ziemlich qualifies the adverb 'leise'.

Du läufst ziemlich schnell für dein Alter.

In questions, ziemlich usually stays with its partner word. For example: 'Ist es ziemlich weit von hier?' (Is it quite far from here?). It helps quantify the distance even when asking. In negative sentences, we typically don't use ziemlich. You wouldn't say 'Es ist nicht ziemlich kalt.' Instead, you would say 'Es ist nicht besonders kalt' (It is not particularly cold) or 'Es ist nicht sehr kalt'.

Common Combinations: Certain pairings are extremely common in German speech: ziemlich oft (quite often), ziemlich sicher (pretty sure), ziemlich viel (quite a lot), and ziemlich bald (pretty soon). Learning these as chunks will help you sound more natural.

Wir müssen ziemlich bald losgehen.

Das Wasser ist ziemlich tief an dieser Stelle.

If you walk through the streets of Berlin, Munich, or Vienna, you will hear ziemlich dozens of times a day. It is a staple of 'Umgangssprache' (colloquial speech) but is equally at home in newspapers and formal reports. Its frequency makes it a high-yield word for any learner.

In the Office and Workplace: In professional settings, ziemlich is often used to manage expectations without sounding overly negative. A manager might say, 'Das Projekt ist ziemlich komplex,' which translates to 'The project is quite complex.' It acknowledges difficulty without causing panic.

Der neue Kollege ist ziemlich kompetent.

Translation: The new colleague is quite competent.

You will also encounter it frequently in media reviews. Whether it's a restaurant critique in a local magazine or a tech review on a YouTube channel, ziemlich is the go-to word for balanced assessment. 'Die Kamera ist ziemlich gut, aber der Akku ist ziemlich schwach' (The camera is quite good, but the battery is quite weak).

Social Life and Small Talk: When Germans talk about their weekend or their health, ziemlich appears often. 'Ich war ziemlich müde' (I was quite tired) or 'Das Konzert war ziemlich laut' (The concert was quite loud). It provides the necessary color to everyday stories.

Wir hatten ziemlich viel Glück mit dem Wetter.

In literature and journalism, ziemlich is used to provide descriptive precision. A journalist might write that a political situation is 'ziemlich angespannt' (quite tense). Here, it carries a weight of seriousness, indicating that the situation requires attention.

Regional Variations: While ziemlich is understood everywhere, some regions might favor alternatives like 'ganz' (in the sense of 'quite') or 'recht'. However, ziemlich remains the most standard and universally accepted term across all German-speaking countries.

Es gibt ziemlich viele Museen in dieser Stadt.

Ich finde das ziemlich unfair von dir.

Even though ziemlich is relatively simple, English speakers often fall into a few predictable traps. The most common issues involve word order, confusion with synonyms, and overestimating its intensity.

Mistake 1: Placing it After the Adjective: In English, we can sometimes say 'He is fast, quite.' In German, ziemlich must always precede the word it modifies. Saying 'Er ist schnell ziemlich' is incorrect and sounds very unnatural to a native ear. Always keep the modifier before the adjective.

Falsch: Das Wetter ist warm ziemlich. Richtig: Das Wetter ist ziemlich warm.

Another common error is confusing ziemlich with sehr (very). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. If you want to say something is extreme, ziemlich will sound too weak. If a building is the tallest in the world, it isn't 'ziemlich hoch'; it is 'sehr hoch' or 'extrem hoch'.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Ziemlich' with 'Ganz': This is a tricky one. In German, 'ganz' can mean 'entirely' (ganz fertig) OR 'quite' (ganz gut). However, ziemlich is generally stronger than the 'quite' version of 'ganz'. If something is 'ganz schön', it's nice. If it's 'ziemlich schön', it's really quite beautiful. Beginners often use 'ganz' when they mean the more emphatic ziemlich.

Ich bin ziemlich müde (I'm quite tired) vs. Ich bin ganz müde (I'm somewhat tired / completely tired, depending on context).

Lastly, learners sometimes try to decline ziemlich like an adjective. Remember: ziemlich is an adverb. It never gets an -e, -er, -es, or -en ending. It stays exactly as it is, regardless of the noun that follows the adjective it is modifying.

Mistake 3: Overuse: While ziemlich is a great word, overusing it can make your German sound 'wishy-washy'. Try to vary your intensifiers. Use 'echt', 'wirklich', or 'besonders' occasionally to keep your speech engaging.

Das ist ein ziemlich interessantes Buch (Correct). Das ist ein ziemliches interessantes Buch (Incorrect - do not add -es!).

Wir sind ziemlich spät dran heute.

To truly master German, you need to know when to use ziemlich and when to reach for a synonym. Each alternative carries a slightly different 'flavor' or level of intensity.

Ganz vs. Ziemlich: As mentioned, ganz is often used as 'quite'. However, ganz is often softer or more casual. If you say 'Das ist ganz gut', it's like saying 'It's okay/nice'. If you say 'Das ist ziemlich gut', you are giving it a more solid thumbs-up.
Recht: Recht is slightly more formal and often used in writing. 'Ein recht großer Erfolg' sounds a bit more sophisticated than 'ein ziemlich großer Erfolg'. In spoken German, ziemlich is far more common.
Einigermaßen: This word means 'to some extent' or 'tolerably'. It is weaker than ziemlich. If you are 'einigermaßen zufrieden', you are just barely satisfied. If you are 'ziemlich zufrieden', you are actually quite happy.

Vergleich: Das ist einigermaßen okay (weak) vs. ziemlich gut (medium) vs. sehr gut (strong).

In more formal or scientific contexts, you might see verhältnismäßig (relatively) or vergleichsweise (comparatively). These provide a more objective frame of reference than the subjective ziemlich.

Echt and Wirkliche: In youthful or very casual speech, 'echt' (really) often replaces ziemlich. 'Das ist echt cool!' instead of 'Das ist ziemlich cool!'. While ziemlich is never wrong, 'echt' adds a layer of emotional enthusiasm.

Die Aufgaben waren verhältnismäßig einfach für die Studenten.

Lastly, consider 'ordentlich'. While it usually means 'orderly', in a colloquial sense, it can mean 'properly' or 'considerably'. 'Das hat ordentlich gekostet' means 'That cost a fair bit', similar to 'Das war ziemlich teuer'.

Ich bin ziemlich gespannt auf das Ergebnis.

Der Koffer ist ziemlich schwer zu tragen.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die Ergebnisse sind ziemlich unbefriedigend."

Neutral

"Das Wetter ist heute ziemlich wechselhaft."

Informal

"Der Typ ist ziemlich schräg."

Child friendly

"Du bist schon ziemlich groß geworden!"

Slang

"Das ist ziemlich fett!"

Fun Fact

Over time, the meaning shifted from 'appropriate' to 'considerable'. It's like saying something is 'fittingly large', which eventually just became 'quite large'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtsiːmlɪç/

US /ˈtsim lɪk/

The stress is on the first syllable: ZIEM-lich.

Rhymes With

heimlich keimlich reimlich schleimlich beimlich vernehmlich angenehm bekömmlich

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'z' like 'z' in 'zebra' instead of 'ts' like in 'cats'.
Pronouncing 'ch' like 'k' or 'sh'.
Stressing the second syllable.
Making the 'ie' sound too short.
Pronouncing the final 'h' too harshly like in 'Loch Ness'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in text.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering not to add adjective endings.

Speaking 2/5

The 'ts' and 'ch' sounds can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to hear in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gut sehr kalt warm groß

Learn Next

besonders wirklich echt völlig absolut

Advanced

einigermaßen verhältnismäßig ausgesprochen überaus unheimlich

Grammar to Know

Adverbial Position

Adverbs like 'ziemlich' usually precede the word they modify.

No Declension

'Ziemlich' does not change its form, regardless of the noun's gender or case.

Intensifier Hierarchy

Ziemlich is stronger than 'ein bisschen' but weaker than 'sehr'.

Modification of Adverbs

'Ziemlich' can modify other adverbs (e.g., ziemlich schnell).

Negative Constraints

We usually use 'nicht besonders' instead of 'nicht ziemlich'.

Examples by Level

Das Wetter ist heute ziemlich gut.

The weather today is quite good.

Ziemlich modifies the adjective 'gut'.

Ich bin ziemlich müde.

I am quite tired.

Ziemlich comes before the adjective 'müde'.

Der Kaffee ist ziemlich heiß.

The coffee is rather hot.

Ziemlich quantifies the heat.

Das Auto ist ziemlich schnell.

The car is pretty fast.

Used with the verb 'sein'.

Die Tasche ist ziemlich schwer.

The bag is quite heavy.

Ziemlich describes the degree of weight.

Das Buch ist ziemlich interessant.

The book is quite interesting.

Adjective 'interessant' is modified.

Ich habe ziemlich viel Hunger.

I have quite a lot of hunger.

Ziemlich modifies the quantifier 'viel'.

Es ist ziemlich spät.

It is quite late.

Ziemlich modifies the adverb 'spät'.

Wir gehen ziemlich oft ins Kino.

We go to the cinema quite often.

Ziemlich modifies the frequency adverb 'oft'.

Die Prüfung war ziemlich einfach.

The exam was fairly easy.

Past tense 'war' with 'ziemlich'.

Er spricht ziemlich gut Deutsch.

He speaks German quite well.

Ziemlich modifies the adverb 'gut'.

Das Hotel war ziemlich teuer.

The hotel was rather expensive.

Ziemlich used to describe cost.

Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher.

I am pretty sure.

Common phrase 'ziemlich sicher'.

Sie rennt ziemlich schnell.

She runs quite fast.

Ziemlich modifies the adverb 'schnell'.

Das ist ein ziemlich großes Problem.

That is a fairly big problem.

Ziemlich stays unchanged before the declined adjective 'großes'.

Wir sind ziemlich bald fertig.

We are finished pretty soon.

Ziemlich modifies the time adverb 'bald'.

Die neue Wohnung ist ziemlich hell.

The new apartment is quite bright.

Describing property features.

Das war eine ziemlich mutige Entscheidung.

That was a rather brave decision.

Ziemlich used with a noun phrase.

Ich finde das Thema ziemlich kompliziert.

I find the topic quite complicated.

Expressing an opinion with 'finden'.

Es gab ziemlich viele Beschwerden.

There were quite a few complaints.

Ziemlich with 'viele' (quantifier).

Der Zug hatte ziemlich viel Verspätung.

The train was quite delayed.

Describing a situation.

Sie hat ziemlich lange Haare.

She has quite long hair.

Ziemlich modifies the adjective 'lange'.

Das ist ziemlich unwahrscheinlich.

That is quite unlikely.

Used with abstract adjectives.

Wir haben uns ziemlich erschrocken.

We were quite startled.

Ziemlich modifying a past participle used as an adjective.

Der Bericht ist ziemlich ausführlich.

The report is quite detailed.

Formal workplace context.

Das ist eine ziemlich einseitige Sichtweise.

That is a rather one-sided perspective.

Used in intellectual discussion.

Ich bin ziemlich enttäuscht von dem Ergebnis.

I am quite disappointed by the result.

Expressing strong emotion moderately.

Die Kosten sind ziemlich stark gestiegen.

The costs have risen quite sharply.

Ziemlich modifies the adverb 'stark'.

Es ist ziemlich offensichtlich, was hier passiert ist.

It is quite obvious what happened here.

Used to introduce a conclusion.

Die Verhandlungen waren ziemlich anstrengend.

The negotiations were quite exhausting.

Professional assessment.

Das ist eine ziemlich knappe Angelegenheit.

That is a pretty close call.

Idiomatic usage.

Er hat sich ziemlich verändert.

He has changed quite a bit.

Ziemlich modifying a verb's effect.

Die Argumentation ist ziemlich lückenhaft.

The reasoning is quite full of gaps.

Academic/Critical usage.

Das ist eine ziemlich gewagte Hypothese.

That is a rather daring hypothesis.

Formal intellectual context.

Es ist ziemlich fragwürdig, ob das legal ist.

It is quite questionable whether that is legal.

Expressing skepticism.

Die Lage hat sich ziemlich zugespitzt.

The situation has escalated quite a bit.

Describing political/social situations.

Ich finde seine Reaktion ziemlich überzogen.

I find his reaction quite exaggerated.

Social critique.

Das war ein ziemlich herber Rückschlag.

That was a rather bitter setback.

Collocation with 'herber Rückschlag'.

Die Bedingungen sind ziemlich prekär.

The conditions are quite precarious.

High-level vocabulary.

Das ist ziemlich weit hergeholt.

That is quite far-fetched.

Idiomatic expression.

Die Darstellung ist ziemlich tendenziös.

The portrayal is quite biased.

Analytical vocabulary.

Es ist ziemlich vermessen, das zu behaupten.

It is quite presumptuous to claim that.

Sophisticated moral assessment.

Der Autor verwendet ziemlich archaische Begriffe.

The author uses rather archaic terms.

Literary analysis.

Die Beweislast ist ziemlich erdrückend.

The burden of proof is quite overwhelming.

Legal context.

Das ist eine ziemlich perfide Strategie.

That is a rather insidious strategy.

Nuanced characterization.

Die Stimmung war ziemlich unterkühlt.

The atmosphere was quite frosty/reserved.

Describing social dynamics.

Es ist ziemlich müßig, darüber zu diskutieren.

It is quite futile to discuss that.

Expressing pointlessness.

Das Ergebnis ist ziemlich ernüchternd.

The result is quite sobering/disappointing.

Expressing a realization.

Common Collocations

ziemlich sicher

ziemlich oft

ziemlich viel

ziemlich spät

ziemlich gut

ziemlich groß

ziemlich bald

ziemlich schwer

ziemlich kalt

ziemlich weit

Common Phrases

ziemlich sicher sein

— To be fairly certain about something. It is a very common way to express confidence.

Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass er kommt.

ziemlich gut laufen

— To be going quite well. Often used to describe projects or life in general.

Das Projekt läuft ziemlich gut.

ziemlich viel Zeit

— A significant amount of time. Used to describe duration or effort.

Das braucht ziemlich viel Zeit.

ziemlich egal sein

— To not care at all or to be quite indifferent. A common colloquial expression.

Das ist mir ziemlich egal.

ziemlich müde sein

— To be quite tired. A standard way to express fatigue.

Ich bin heute ziemlich müde.

ziemlich teuer werden

— To become quite expensive. Often used as a warning.

Das könnte ziemlich teuer werden.

ziemlich genau

— Quite exactly or pretty much. Used when something is nearly perfect.

Das ist ziemlich genau das, was ich wollte.

ziemlich allein

— Quite alone. Can describe physical solitude or lack of support.

Er stand mit seiner Meinung ziemlich allein da.

ziemlich überrascht

— Quite surprised. Used to describe a reaction to something unexpected.

Ich war ziemlich überrascht von dem Anruf.

ziemlich sicher wissen

— To know something with a high degree of certainty.

Ich weiß ziemlich sicher, wo sie ist.

Often Confused With

ziemlich vs sehr

'Sehr' means 'very' and is stronger than 'ziemlich'. Use 'sehr' for extremes and 'ziemlich' for significant degrees.

ziemlich vs ganz

'Ganz' can mean 'quite' but also 'entirely'. 'Ziemlich' is usually more emphatic as an intensifier.

ziemlich vs fast

'Fast' means 'almost'. 'Ziemlich' means it has already reached a certain level, whereas 'fast' means it hasn't quite reached it yet.

Idioms & Expressions

"ziemlich alt aussehen"

— To look bad or to be at a disadvantage. Often used when someone is outsmarted.

Gegen den Profi sah er ziemlich alt aus.

informal

"ziemlich dicke kommen"

— To get serious or to have a lot of trouble at once.

Jetzt kommt es aber ziemlich dicke.

informal

"ziemlich im Eimer sein"

— To be quite broken or exhausted.

Nach der Wanderung war ich ziemlich im Eimer.

slang

"ziemlich auf Draht sein"

— To be quite alert or 'on the ball'.

Der neue Lehrling ist ziemlich auf Draht.

informal

"ziemlich von der Rolle sein"

— To be quite confused or out of sorts.

Heute bin ich ziemlich von der Rolle.

informal

"ziemlich daneben liegen"

— To be quite wrong or off the mark.

Mit deiner Schätzung liegst du ziemlich daneben.

informal

"ziemlich unter Druck stehen"

— To be under quite a bit of pressure.

Wir stehen zurzeit ziemlich unter Druck.

neutral

"ziemlich viel auf dem Kasten haben"

— To be quite talented or smart.

Sie hat ziemlich viel auf dem Kasten.

informal

"ziemlich schräg drauf sein"

— To be in a weird mood or to be quite eccentric.

Er ist heute ziemlich schräg drauf.

slang

"ziemlich weit vorne sein"

— To be quite advanced or leading in a field.

In Sachen Technik sind sie ziemlich weit vorne.

informal

Easily Confused

ziemlich vs ziemlich

Often confused with 'sehr' by beginners.

'Ziemlich' is 'quite/pretty', while 'sehr' is 'very'. 'Ziemlich' is a 7/10 on the intensity scale, 'sehr' is a 9/10.

Ziemlich gut (7/10) vs. Sehr gut (9/10).

ziemlich vs ganz

Both can translate to 'quite'.

'Ganz' is often more casual and can also mean 'completely'. 'Ziemlich' is more consistently an intensifier of degree.

Ganz gut vs. Ziemlich gut.

ziemlich vs recht

Both mean 'rather' or 'quite'.

'Recht' is more formal and used more in writing. 'Ziemlich' is the standard spoken word.

Ein recht schöner Tag (Formal) vs. Ein ziemlich schöner Tag (Neutral).

ziemlich vs einigermaßen

Both quantify a degree.

'Einigermaßen' is weaker and means 'tolerably'. 'Ziemlich' implies a more significant amount.

Einigermaßen okay (Barely) vs. Ziemlich gut (Actually good).

ziemlich vs völlig

Both are intensifiers.

'Völlig' means 'completely' (100%). 'Ziemlich' means 'quite' (70-80%).

Völlig sicher (100%) vs. Ziemlich sicher (80%).

Sentence Patterns

Es ist ziemlich [Adjective].

Es ist ziemlich kalt.

Ich bin ziemlich [Adjective].

Ich bin ziemlich müde.

Er/Sie [Verb] ziemlich [Adverb].

Er läuft ziemlich schnell.

Wir haben ziemlich [viel/wenig] [Noun].

Wir haben ziemlich viel Zeit.

Das ist eine ziemlich [Adjective+Ending] [Noun].

Das ist eine ziemlich gute Idee.

Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass...

Ich bin mir ziemlich sicher, dass es regnet.

Die Situation ist ziemlich [Adjective].

Die Situation ist ziemlich angespannt.

Das ist ein ziemlich [Adjective+Ending] [Noun].

Das war ein ziemlich herber Rückschlag.

Word Family

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in all forms of German.

Common Mistakes

Das Haus ist groß ziemlich. → Das Haus ist ziemlich groß.
The intensifier 'ziemlich' must always come before the adjective it is modifying, never after it.
Ich bin ein ziemliches guter Schüler. → Ich bin ein ziemlich guter Schüler.
Adverbs like 'ziemlich' do not take adjective endings. Only the adjective 'guter' should have an ending here.
Es ist nicht ziemlich warm. → Es ist nicht besonders warm.
In German, we rarely negate 'ziemlich' directly. Use 'nicht besonders' or 'nicht wirklich' instead.
Pronouncing 'Z' as a soft 'Z'. → Pronouncing 'Z' as 'TS'.
The German 'Z' is always a sharp 'TS' sound. Pronouncing it like the English 'Z' is a common pronunciation error.
Using 'ziemlich' for 'almost'. → Using 'fast' for 'almost'.
'Ziemlich' means 'quite' or 'pretty', whereas 'fast' means 'almost'. They are not interchangeable.

Tips

No Endings!

Never add an ending to 'ziemlich'. It is an adverb, not an adjective. Even if you say 'ein ziemlich großer Hund', 'ziemlich' stays the same while 'großer' takes the ending.

The 'Pretty' Rule

If you can say 'pretty' in English (e.g., pretty good, pretty fast), you can almost always use 'ziemlich' in German. This is a very reliable rule for beginners.

Sharp 'Z'

Make sure your 'z' sounds like 'ts'. A common mistake for English speakers is to make it sound like a buzzing 'z' as in 'zebra'. A sharp 'ts' makes you sound much more native.

Safe Critique

In German culture, being direct is common, but 'ziemlich' is a great way to soften a critique. Say 'Das ist ziemlich teuer' instead of 'Das ist zu teuer' to sound more polite.

Emphasis Matters

Germans often put extra stress on 'ZIEM-' when they want to emphasize that something is really quite significant. Listen for that vocal peak in conversation.

Vary Your Words

While 'ziemlich' is great, try not to use it in every sentence. Swap it for 'besonders', 'wirklich', or 'echt' to keep your writing interesting.

Word Order

Always keep 'ziemlich' right before its partner word. If you separate them, the sentence will likely be wrong. 'Ziemlich' is a loyal companion to its adjective!

Irony

Be aware that 'ziemlich' can be used ironically. If someone says 'Das ist ja ziemlich schlau' with a roll of the eyes, they mean the opposite!

Learn in Chunks

Learn 'ziemlich' with its most common partners like 'ziemlich gut', 'ziemlich oft', and 'ziemlich sicher'. It's easier than learning the word in isolation.

The Soft 'CH'

The 'ch' in 'ziemlich' is the same as in 'ich'. It's a soft hiss. Don't make it hard like the 'ch' in 'Bach' or 'Loch'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'ziemlich' as 'seeming-ly'. If something is 'ziemlich' good, it 'seems' really good to you. The 'z' sounds like 'ts', so think of 'It's quite nice'.

Visual Association

Imagine a thermometer where the mercury is not at the bottom (cold) and not at the top (hot), but 'ziemlich' high up in the comfortable range.

Word Web

ziemlich ganz recht sehr einigermaßen relativ völlig kaum

Challenge

Try to use 'ziemlich' three times today: once to describe the weather, once to describe your mood, and once to describe a price.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German word 'zimelīch', which stems from the verb 'ziemen' (to befit).

Original meaning: Originally meant 'suitable', 'fitting', or 'becoming'.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral and safe word for all contexts.

English speakers often translate 'ziemlich' as 'pretty', but be careful: 'pretty' can sometimes sound more informal than 'ziemlich'.

Movie: Ziemlich beste Freunde (The Intouchables) Book: Ziemlich laut (Quite Loud) Song: Ziemlich sicher (Quite Sure)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

ziemlich kalt
ziemlich windig
ziemlich bewölkt
ziemlich heiß

Opinion

ziemlich gut
ziemlich schlecht
ziemlich langweilig
ziemlich interessant

Time

ziemlich spät
ziemlich bald
ziemlich früh
ziemlich lange

Certainty

ziemlich sicher
ziemlich gewiss
ziemlich klar
ziemlich offensichtlich

Quantity

ziemlich viel
ziemlich wenig
ziemlich oft
ziemlich selten

Conversation Starters

"Wie findest du den neuen Film? Ich fand ihn ziemlich spannend."

"Bist du dir ziemlich sicher, dass wir den richtigen Weg gehen?"

"Ist es in deiner Heimatstadt im Winter auch ziemlich kalt?"

"Hast du heute ziemlich viel zu tun oder hast du Zeit für einen Kaffee?"

"War die Prüfung gestern ziemlich schwer oder ging es?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über einen Tag, an dem du ziemlich viel Glück hattest. Was ist passiert?

Beschreibe deine Wohnung. Was ist ziemlich groß und was ist ziemlich klein?

Welche deutsche Stadt findest du ziemlich interessant und warum?

Bist du heute ziemlich müde? Warum oder warum nicht?

Gibt es etwas, das du ziemlich oft machst, aber eigentlich nicht magst?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'sehr' is stronger than 'ziemlich'. 'Sehr' means 'very', while 'ziemlich' means 'quite' or 'pretty'. If you are 'sehr müde', you are more tired than if you are 'ziemlich müde'.

Not directly. You use 'ziemlich' with adjectives that describe nouns, or with quantifiers like 'viel' or 'wenig'. For example: 'ziemlich viel Geld' (quite a lot of money) or 'ein ziemlich großes Haus' (a fairly big house).

No. 'Ziemlich' is an adverb and does not change its form. It never takes endings like -e, -en, or -es, regardless of the noun it is helping to describe.

In many cases they are similar, but 'ganz' can also mean 'entirely'. 'Ziemlich' is generally perceived as being slightly stronger than the 'quite' meaning of 'ganz'. 'Ziemlich gut' is usually better than 'ganz gut'.

It almost always goes immediately before the adjective or adverb it modifies. For example: 'Er rennt ziemlich schnell' or 'Das ist ziemlich teuer'.

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from casual conversations with friends to formal reports and literature. It is one of the most versatile words in German.

It is grammatically possible but very rare and sounds unnatural. Instead, use 'nicht besonders' (not particularly) or 'nicht wirklich' (not really).

The 'z' is pronounced like 'ts' in English (like in 'cats' or 'pizza'). It should be a sharp, clear sound.

No, 'fast' or 'beinahe' are used for 'almost'. 'Ziemlich' indicates that a certain level has already been reached.

Yes, one common idiom is 'ziemlich alt aussehen', which means to look bad or be at a disadvantage compared to someone else.