tiefgehend
in-depth · profound
Definition & meaning
The adjective tiefgehend describes something that has a significant impact, is thorough, or reaches a great depth. It is used in two primary contexts:
- Physical depth: Something that penetrates deeply into an object or surface (e.g., a deep cut or a deep-sea probe).
- Abstract/Intellectual depth: Describing thoughts, analyses, discussions, or changes that are profound, fundamental, or far-reaching. When someone engages in a tiefgehendes conversation, they are discussing topics with great intensity and detail, moving far beyond superficial small talk.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a compound adjective formed by the adverb tief (deep) and the participle of the verb gehen (to go).
- tief + gehend literally translates to "deep-going."
As an adjective, it is inflected according to German grammatical rules (e.g., ein tiefgehender Prozess, eine tiefgehende Analyse). It is often used to describe intellectual or emotional states that have a lasting effect on a person or a situation.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- gründlich tiefgehend (thorough)
- eingehend tiefgehend (in-depth/detailed)
- fundiert tiefgehend (well-founded)
- intensiv tiefgehend (intensive)
- tiefgreifend tiefgehend (profound/drastic)
Antonyms:
Make “tiefgehend” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Diese Diskussion war sehr tiefgehend.adjective
This discussion was very in-depth.
Wir brauchen eine tiefgehende Analyse der Probleme.adjective
We need a profound analysis of the problems.
Können wir heute keine tiefgehenden Gespräche führen?adjective
Can we not have any profound conversations today?
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad