Grosszügig

Großzügig is a German adjective meaning generous, liberal, or open-handed. It describes a disposition, gesture, or policy characterized by giving more than what is strictly required or expected. The term can apply to people, acts of donation, or attitudes such as tolerance and leniency.

Etymology and nuance: The word combines groß, meaning great or large, with zugig (from zugig, derived from the sense of moving or promptness). In historical and contemporary usage, großzü gig conveys magnanimity or broad-mindedness. It often carries a positive connotation, though in some contexts it can imply conspicuous displays of generosity that invite social approval or admiration. It is commonly used for material generosity (money, time, resources) as well as for generous behavior or flexible treatment.

Usage: Typical phrases include eine großzügige Spende (a generous donation), eine großzügige Geste (a generous gesture), and großzügig mit Zeit umgehen (to handle one’s time generously). It can also describe policies or attitudes, such as großzügige Subsidien or eine großzügige Auslegung von Regeln. Adverbial usage is common in phrases like großzügig handeln or großzügig damit umgehen, where the meaning is to act generously or leniently.

Spelling and varieties: In standard German, the spelling is großzügig with the ß; in Swiss Standard German, sometimes grosszügig is used with ss. Synonyms include freigiebig, spendabel, and mildtätig, while antonyms include geizig and knauserig.

See also: generosity in language, magnanimity in German usage.