adjective
completely, entirely
B1
Means 'completely' or 'entirely', used to intensify adjectives, adverbs, or participles. Not gradable (no comparative *völliger), functions as adverb or predicative/adjective. No special preposition, not reflexive, no auxiliary. Often used with verbs like sein, aussehen, finden to strengthen statements.
Examples
Der Schüler war völlig überrascht, als der Lehrer die Prüfung ankündigte.
The student was completely surprised when the teacher announced the exam.
Sie war von der Nachricht völlig überrascht.
She was entirely surprised by the news.
Der Kuchen ist völlig fertig.
The cake is completely ready.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a glass filled to the brim — it's completely (völlig) full.
Sounds like English 'fully' (völlig ~ fully).
Notes
völlig is often used as an adverb meaning 'completely/entirely' and can modify adjectives, verbs, and participles. It is an absolute adjective/adverb and is not typically gradable.