Usage Note
Wortlaut means the precise words as written or spoken, without paraphrase. In legal and official contexts, im genauen Wortlaut means verbatim — the exact form of a contract clause or legislative text.
Examples
"Der genaue Wortlaut des Vertrags muss sorgfältig geprüft werden."
Natural Translation
The exact wording of the contract must be carefully checked.
Literal Translation
The exact wording of the contract must carefully be checked.

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