In German
gut
Meaning: good
Formal or informal? “Gut” is the everyday word for good. For “well” as in “I'm well”, say “Mir geht es gut”.
Example sentences
DasisteineguteIdee.
That is a good idea.
EinguterFreundhilftdirimmer.
A good friend always helps you.
DasEssenschmecktgut.
The food tastes good.
Grammar note
Before a noun, “gut” takes an ending that agrees with it: “ein guter Freund” (masculine), “eine gute Idee” (feminine), “ein gutes Buch” (neuter). After “einen” (accusative masculine) it's “einen guten Freund”.
Common mistake
Don't leave the ending off before a noun. Say “ein guter Freund”, not “ein gute Freund”, because “Freund” is masculine.
Quick check
Which ending is correct in “ein ___ Freund” (a good friend)?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What are the comparative and superlative of “gut”?
“Besser” (better) and “am besten” (best). They are irregular.
How do you say “I'm well” in German?
“Mir geht es gut”, literally “to me it goes well”.