gehörig
proper · properly · severe · considerable
Etwas ist so, wie es sein soll, oder passt gut zu einer Situation.
The German word "gehörig" is an adjective meaning "proper," "due," or "considerable."
- It comes from "Gehör" (hearing), originally implying something that "belongs to" one’s hearing" or is appropriate/proportional.
- The root "gehör" in this context isn't about prefixes or separable parts but relates to appropriateness or fittingness.
Similar words:
- angemessen (appropriate)
- ordnungsgemäß (in proper order)
- zünftig (decent/proper)
Difference:
While "gehörig" emphasizes that something is fitting or deserved to a significant or proper degree (e.g., "gehöriger Respekt" = proper respect), words like angemessen focus more generally on appropriateness, and zünftig can imply traditional or customary propriety.
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Examples
Er hat gestern einen gehörigen Schreck bekommen.adjective
He got a proper scare yesterday.
Der Lärm hat mich heute gehörig gestört.adverb
The noise really disturbed me today.
Nach dem Fehler bekam sie gehörige Kritik von ihrem Chef.adjective
After the mistake, she received severe criticism from her boss.
Für das lange Warten brauchte die Gruppe eine gehörige Portion Geduld.adjective
For the long wait the group needed a considerable amount of patience.
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