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an sich

in itself; as such

adverb AN zikh Rare
Communication Expressions

Also means

essentially; intrinsically

Usage Note

An sich is the everyday German equivalent of 'as such' or 'in itself', slightly more colloquial than per se. Das wäre an sich eine gute Idee ('That would in itself be a good idea'). It often introduces a concession before a contrasting point. Very common in spoken registers.

Examples

"An sich habe ich nichts dagegen, aber der Zeitpunkt ist ungünstig."

Natural Translation

I have nothing against it as such, but the timing is unfavourable.

Literal Translation

As such have I nothing against it, but the timing is unfavourable.

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