ziemlich

Ziemlich is a German adverb and attributive determiner meaning quite, fairly, or rather. It is used to indicate a moderate to notable degree without reaching the extremes implied by words like sehr or absolut. In everyday language, ziemlich can soften or intensify statements, depending on context and intonation. It is common in all German-speaking regions and is considered relatively neutral, though somewhat informal in tone.

As an adverb, ziemlich typically sits before the word it modifies: Es ist ziemlich kalt heute. Er ist ziemlich gut in Mathe. It can also combine with quantities and durations: eine ziemliche Mühe, eine ziemliche Weile, eine ziemliche Menge. As an attributive determiner before a noun, it forms phrases such as eine ziemliche Dummheit or eine ziemliche Menge, meaning a considerable amount or a fair bit of something. The adjective form ziemliche declines like other attributive adjectives: eine ziemliche Überraschung, ein ziemliches Durcheinander.

Nuances and equivalents vary with context. Ziemlich often conveys that something is "pretty" or "pretty much" in a casual sense, and its force is generally milder than sehr or außerordentlich. In formal writing, alternatives like relativ or recht might be preferred, depending on tone. It can also express mild skepticism or understatement when used with certain adjectives.

Etymology and history are not fully settled. The word dates to the late Middle Ages and likely evolved from an older sense connected to fitting or proper, evolving into a general modifier of degree. It should not be confused with zierlich, which is a distinct word meaning delicate or dainty.