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eigentlich

actually

adverb adjective EYE-gent-likh Common
Descriptions & Qualities Manner

Also means

real

Usage Note

eigentlich is one of the most common German flavouring words, softening a statement to mean 'actually, in fact'. As an attributive adjective it means 'real, true' as in der eigentliche Grund ('the real reason'). In questions it adds a casual 'by the way' tone: Wie heißt du eigentlich?

Examples

"Ich wollte eigentlich früher kommen."

Natural Translation

I actually wanted to come earlier.

Literal Translation

I wanted actually earlier to-come.

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