fertig

Meaning (in English)

1. Finished / done / complete
   Indicates that something has been brought to an end or is ready.

   • Die Arbeit ist fertig. = The work is finished.
   • Das Essen ist fertig. = The food is ready.

2. Ready (prepared for use or action)
   Often used for something that is prepared and can start or be used immediately.

   • Ich bin fertig. = I’m ready.

3. (Colloquial) Exhausted / worn out
   In everyday speech, fertig can also mean physically or mentally drained.

   • Nach der Reise war ich völlig fertig. = After the trip I was completely exhausted.

Word parts / structure

• fertig is a basic adjective (not transparently separable into modern meaningful parts in everyday German).
• Related forms:
  • fertig machen = to finish / to get something ready
  • Fertigkeit = skill, proficiency (related word family)
  • anfertigen = to produce, to make (manufacture)

German synonyms

Depending on meaning:

• finished/done: abgeschlossen, beendet, erledigt, vollendet, komplett
• ready: bereit, startklar
• exhausted: erschöpft, kaputt (ugs.), fix und fertig, ausgepowert (ugs.)

German antonyms

Depending on meaning:

• finished: unfertig, unvollendet, unvollständig, nicht abgeschlossen
• ready: unbereit, nicht bereit
• exhausted: ausgeruht, fit, erholt