German Phrase
Eigentlich ziemlich gut.
Meaning
Literally 'actually quite good', this short reply conveys that something turned out better than expected, but the speaker keeps the tone modest and slightly reserved.
When to use
Use it in informal conversations when someone asks for your opinion about an experience, a product, a performance, or a situation, especially when you want to sound honest yet not overly enthusiastic.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Eigentlichziemlichgut
Eigentlich (adverb)
Used to express a contrast with expectations or to soften a statement, similar to 'actually' or 'in fact' in English.
Ziemlich (degree adverb)
Indicates a moderate degree, translating to 'quite' or 'rather'. It can modify adjectives and other adverbs.
Elliptical predicative adjective
In informal speech German often drops the verb 'sein' (to be) and leaves just the adjective, e.g., 'gut' instead of 'ist gut'.
🗨In Conversation
Wie war das neue Restaurant?
How was the new restaurant?
Eigentlich ziemlich gut.
Actually quite good.
✕Common Mistakes
Eigentlich gut.
Avoid using 'eigentlich' when you mean 'actually' in a corrective sense (e.g., 'Eigentlich ist das falsch' vs. the neutral 'Eigentlich ziemlich gut').
Eigentlich sehr gut.
Do not translate 'ziemlich' as 'very'; it indicates a moderate degree, not an extreme one.
Eigentlich ziemlich gut ist.
In this elliptical construction you should not add a verb like 'ist' unless you want a full sentence.
↔Alternatives
Tatsächlich ganz gut.
Actually quite good.
Eigentlich gar nicht schlecht.
Actually not bad at all.
Ziemlich gut, ehrlich gesagt.
Quite good, to be honest.
Cultural Tip
Germans often prefer modest self‑assessment. Saying 'ziemlich gut' sounds balanced – it acknowledges something is good without sounding boastful. In formal settings you might add a polite qualifier like 'sehr gut' or 'ausgezeichnet' if you truly want to praise.