adjective
total, completely, totally
A2
The German word 'total' means 'complete' (entire, whole) and colloquially functions as an adverb meaning 'completely' or 'totally'. It is not gradable—avoid comparative forms—and its common antonym is 'teilweise' (partly). It’s not a participle and does not require a specific preposition.
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Das Konzert wurde abgesagt, weil das Wetter total schlecht war, sodass viele Zuschauer enttäuscht gingen.
The concert was canceled because the weather was totally bad, so many spectators left disappointed.
Das war ein totaler Erfolg.
That was a complete success.
Ich bin total müde.
I'm completely tired.
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VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Imagine a meter reaching 100% with the word TOTAL stamped across it — everything is complete.
Sounds like the English word 'total' — think of 'total' meaning 100% in English.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
In German, 'total' is commonly used colloquially as an intensifier (like 'totally' or 'completely' in English). It can function as an adjective ('ein totaler Erfolg') or as an adverb ('Ich bin total müde'). Comparative forms are uncommon in everyday speech. Register: informal to neutral.