adjective
quite, fairly, rather
B1
Ziemlich means 'quite', 'fairly' or 'rather', used as a degree adverb before adjectives or adverbs to soften emphasis. It is not reflexive or a participle. Metadata: not gradable (no comparative forms like 'ziemlicher'); commonly used in spoken and written German to indicate moderate intensity.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Das Buch ist ziemlich interessant.
The book is quite interesting.
Das Wetter war ziemlich schlecht, sodass viele Besucher das Festival verließen, obwohl die Organisatoren Zelte aufgebaut hatten.
The weather was quite bad, so many visitors left the festival, although the organizers had set up tents.
Er ist ziemlich fit für sein Alter.
He is rather fit for his age.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Imagine a meter labeled from 'a little' to 'a lot' and the pointer at 'ziemlich' (quite).
Sounds like 'seem-lich' — think 'seems like' which hints at degree.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Although listed as an adjective here, 'ziemlich' commonly functions as a degree adverb meaning 'quite' or 'fairly'. It does not form comparative/superlative forms itself.