großartig

Großartig is a German adjective meaning excellent, wonderful, or magnificent. It is used to express strong approval of a person, performance, work, or event. The word can be used attributively as in eine großartige Leistung or eine großartige Idee, or predicatively as in Das war großartig.

Etymology: großartig is a compound of groß, meaning “great” or “large,” and artig, meaning “in the manner of” or “of a kind.” The combination conveys a sense of high quality or impressive character and has been part of standard German since the early modern period.

Grammar and inflection: As an adjective, großartig inflects like other strong adjectives. Examples include eine großartige Idee, zwei großartige Ideen, dem großartigen Ergebnis, mit großartigem Mut. The predicative form remains unchanged: Es ist großartig. The noun form Großartigkeit exists but is uncommon and typically refers to the quality of being grand or magnificent.

Usage and nuance: Großartig is versatile and generally positive, suitable for formal and informal contexts. It can convey genuine enthusiasm or be employed more emphatically. In ironic or understated contexts, it may be used to soften or exaggerate praise for humorous effect.

Translations and equivalents: In English, equivalents include great, wonderful, fantastic, and superb, depending on nuance. In German, near-synonyms include hervorragend, ausgezeichnet, prima, fantastisch, and spitze, with different registers and strengths.

See also: German adjectives of praise, language registers, and usage notes on evaluative expressions.