Breakdown of Dieser Gin ist zu billig, um den Cocktail schlechthin zu mischen.
sein
to be
dieser
this / that (fem.: diese, neut.: dieses)
zu
too (e.g., too big)
billig
cheap
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
um ... zu
in order to
mischen
to shuffle / to mix
der Cocktail
the cocktail
schlechthin
par excellence
der Gin
the gin
Questions & Answers about Dieser Gin ist zu billig, um den Cocktail schlechthin zu mischen.
Why is schlechthin placed directly after den Cocktail instead of before it like a normal adjective?
The word schlechthin is a special emphasis particle, not a standard adjective. It translates to 'par excellence' or 'the absolute ultimate'. A strict rule for schlechthin is that it always immediately follows the noun it emphasizes, and it never takes adjective endings.
I learned that um ... zu means 'in order to'. Why doesn't that translation work well here?
You are right that um ... zu usually shows purpose. However, when paired with zu (too) plus an adjective in the main clause, the meaning shifts. The combination zu billig, um ... zu mischen is a fixed structure meaning 'too cheap to mix'. The English equivalent is exactly the same: 'too [adjective] to [do something]'.
Could I place schlechthin at the very end of the sentence, after mischen?
No, you cannot. In German, infinitive clauses like um ... zu mischen require the verb and zu to sit at the absolute end of the clause. Furthermore, schlechthin must stay glued to the noun it modifies (den Cocktail), so it cannot float to the end of the sentence.
Could we use günstig instead of billig in this sentence?
While both can translate to 'cheap' or 'inexpensive', günstig has a positive connotation, like 'a good deal' or 'affordable'. Since this sentence is criticizing the gin for being of low quality to make the ultimate drink, billig (which often implies cheap and poor quality) is the much better choice.
Learn Dieser Gin ist zu billig, um den Cocktail schlechthin zu mischen and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free