genug

Genug is a German word meaning enough or sufficient. It functions as an adverb and as a determiner before nouns, where it remains invariable (for example: genug Zeit, genug Geld). It can also appear as an interjection, most often in the form Genug! to express that something has gone on long enough or that a limit has been reached. In addition, the phrase genug haben means to have had enough.

Etymology and cognates: Genug derives from the Germanic root found in Old High German and Proto-Germanic languages, with cognates in other Germanic languages such as Dutch genoeg and English enough. The sense of sufficiency is ancient in these languages and persists in modern usage.

Usage: As a determiner before a noun, genug is generally invariable: genug Zeit, genug Geld, genug Möglichkeiten. As a predicative or adverbial term, it can be used in expressions like Es ist genug (That is enough) or Genug ist genug (That much is enough). It also forms common verb phrases such as genug haben (to have had enough) and genug von etwas haben (to have had enough of something). In sentences like Ich habe genug von diesem Film, genug modifies the overall quantity rather than the noun directly.

Pronunciation and style: In standard German, genug is pronounced with a short ü sound and final devoicing, resulting in a crisp, one-syllable or two-syllable cue depending on rhythm. It is a common, versatile term that appears in everyday speech as well as in literary and formal registers.

See also: ausreichend, hinreichend, genügend, genug von. Genug is often contrasted with more formal synonyms; context and tone determine which form is most appropriate.