genau
Translation
exact, precise, accurate, exactly
Examples
Ich brauche die genaue Adresse.
I need the exact address.
Genau! Das ist die Antwort.
Exactly! That is the answer.
Wir treffen uns genau hier.
We are meeting right here.
Grammar Patterns
((attributive)) ((before a noun)) as an adjective modifying a noun Das ist die genaue Uhrzeit.
((adverbial)) as an adverb modifying a verb or adjective Er kommt genau um drei Uhr.
((as a response particle)) as a response meaning 'exactly' or 'right' Genau! Das ist richtig.
Similar Words
Synonyms: exakt (exact), präzise (precise); Antonyms: ungenau (inaccurate), vage (vague)
Etymology
From Middle High German 'genouwe', meaning 'narrow, close'. The sense shifted to 'close' in measurement, hence 'exact'.
Memory Tips
Sounds a bit like 'get now'. Imagine saying, 'Get now the exact information!'