Genau
Example: Ich möchte genau wissen, wie das funktioniert.
Definition
"Genau" is an adverb in German used to indicate precision or exactness, often translated as 'exactly' or 'precisely' in English. It emphasizes the desire for or statement of detailed and accurate information, as in the phrase 'Ich möchte genau wissen, wie das funktioniert.'
Etymology
The word "genau" comes from Middle High German 'genouwe,' which traces back to Old High German 'ginoʒ,' meaning 'exact' or 'precise.' It shares roots with the English word 'enough,' as both originally conveyed a sense of sufficiency or exactness. Did you know that the precision implied by "genau" has always been central to its use in the German language?
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"Genau" appears in the Vocaplus list "German - General - (B1) - set 5", containing 113 commonly used words.
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