I know that "einfach" means easy but I always find it in exclamative sentences such as "Das ist einfach genial!" I really want to know the reason for that.
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12English does the same, see 2.1: oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/simply– Carsten SCommented Aug 22, 2015 at 23:38
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is that what is really meant?– Talel.BMCommented Aug 22, 2015 at 23:43
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3Assuming that I do not misunderstand the English construction, yes.– Carsten SCommented Aug 22, 2015 at 23:48
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1@Carsten S: I think you are right. Please post it as an answer.– raznagulCommented Aug 23, 2015 at 9:43
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3Why oh why? Because so. – If I get it right, you're not interested into the origin of this meaning (and even then the question would better be written differently), but more about understanding its meaning. The question should be read something like "What is the meaning of "einfach" when used like that". A "why"-question is always, well, simply unsuited.– Em1Commented Aug 23, 2015 at 19:50
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5 Answers
Einfach is a sort of emphasis / amplification here. It will occur in conversations much more likely than in writing. You could replace it with echt, super or something similar; I have the suspicion, that one of the functions is simply to have more words available to put vocal emphasis on. This is supported by the observation, that a slightly more intense version could be:
Das ist einfach nur genial!
Nur (as einfach) provides no essential addition in this context, but an additional syllable.
It can be compared to the english "simply", or "just".
Examples:
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/simply
"Du bist einfach so schnell!" = "You are just so fast!"
or
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/just (see point 4.1)
"Really; absolutely (used for emphasis):
they’re just great"
In this usage, "einfach" is a modal particle. It conveys the speakers' attitude towards the content of their utterance and covers different functions:
a) Intensification, as in the example you quote.
b) Dissatisfaction, as in: "er hat mich einfach ignoriert" ('he einfach ignored me').
c) Awareness that something/someone cannot be changed: "er ist einfach dumm" ('he ist einfach stupid'). This function can sometimes overlap with a) though.
I have recently started with German. I would consider its meaning closer to a “de hecho”in my native Spanish, which leads me to “Indeed” in English.
Another interesting way of using it is:
Einfach unerträglich wäre es!
Which translates to:
It would be simply insupportable!
