Ufattelig

Ufattelig is an adjective and, in Danish and Norwegian Bokmål, an adverbial intensifier used to describe something that is extremely difficult to grasp or exceptionally strong in size, degree, or quality. It can convey meanings such as unfathomable, unbelievable, or incredible, depending on context. When placed before a noun, it emphasizes the noun, as in en ufattelig pris (an unbelievably high price). It also functions before adjectives to intensify them, for example Det var ufattelig bra (That was unbelievably good).

Etymology and form are straightforward: ufattelig is built from the negating prefix u- attached to fattelig, which relates to the verb fatte, meaning to grasp or understand. Thus the literal sense is “not graspable,” evolving into the common figurative meanings of “unbelievable” or “incredibly.”

Usage notes indicate that ufattelig is widespread in everyday speech in both languages and is generally considered informal. In formal writing, speakers may choose alternatives such as utrolig or unngå ambiguous phrasing, or use phrases like umulig å fatte for emphasis. As a descriptive word, it often carries an expressive or emotional tone, sometimes with humor or emphasis.

Examples:

- Det var ufattelig varmt i dag. (It was unbelievably hot today.)

- Prisen er ufattelig høy. (The price is unbelievably high.)

- En ufattelig bra film. (An unbelievably good film.)

See also: synonyms and related intensifiers such as utrolig, umulig å fatte.