großzügiges

Großzügiges is the neuter singular inflected form of the German adjective großzügig. It is used to describe a neuter noun in attributive position, as in ein großzügiges Geschenk or das großzügige Angebot. The corresponding predicative form is einfach groß, as in Das Angebot ist großzügig. As a standalone noun, the common term is Großzügigkeit, which denotes the quality or virtue of being generous.

Etymology and meaning

The word combines groß, meaning large or great, with großzügig, meaning liberal or generous. The compound conveys a sense of giving or sharing resources in a liberal, unselfish manner. The concept is used across contexts to express positive assessment of a person’s or organization’s generosity or abundance of offering.

Usage notes

Großzügiges appears most often before a neuter noun in written and spoken German, for example: Das großzügige Geschenk, Das großzügige Angebot. The adjective declines according to the determiner and the case, so the ending -es marks the neuter nominative/accusative singular. In predicative position (after a linking verb), the form großzügig is used: Es ist großzügig.

Related terms

Großzügigkeit is the noun form denoting generosity as a quality. Related adjectives include großzügig (generous) and großzügiges Verhalten (generous behavior). The term generally carries a positive connotation, though in some contexts it can imply extravagance or imprudence if generosity seems excessive.

See also

Großzügigkeit. Generosity in German language and usage contexts.