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sehr
/zeːɐ̯/
very
Es ist sehr kalt heute.
It is very cold today.
general
To a high degree; in a high or extreme manner
Ich bin sehr müde.
I am very tired.
Das war sehr lecker!
That was very tasty!
Used to intensify adjectives, adverbs, or verbs. Often precedes the adjective/adverb it modifies.
general
Very much; greatly
Ich danke dir sehr.
I thank you very much.
Er liebt sie sehr.
He loves her very much.
Used to intensify verbs or expressions of emotion.
Pro Tip
Positioning with adjectives
In German, 'sehr' typically precedes the adjective or adverb it modifies, unlike in English where 'very' follows the verb (e.g., 'very tired' vs. 'sehr müde').
Gold Rule
Intensifying adjectives and adverbs
Use 'sehr' directly before the adjective or adverb to intensify it. Do not separate them with other words unless for emphasis (e.g., 'sehr, sehr gut' for 'very, very good').
Word Origin
From Middle High German *sēr*, from Old High German *sēr* ("pain, sorrow"), related to Old English *sār* ("pain"). The adverbial sense 'very' developed from the notion of 'greatly' or 'to a high degree'.
Usage Notes
In spoken German, 'sehr' is often used informally to emphasize statements. It can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation if overused. In writing, it is neutral and widely accepted.
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