01
ähnlich
similar
Matching or comparable in certain features or characteristics, but not identical.
example
Du siehst deinem Bruder sehr ähnlich.
You look very similar to your brother.
ähnlich
similar
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Use with dative
The adjective 'ähnlich' (similar) requires the dative. The person or thing being compared with is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Stimme ist der ihrer Mutter sehr ähnlich.
Her voice is very similar to her mother's.
Word family
'Ähnlich' (similar) belongs to the word family of 'ähneln' (to resemble) and 'die Ähnlichkeit' (similarity). The verb 'ähneln' is also always used with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er ähnelt seinem Großvater sehr.
He resembles his grandfather very much.
Typical expression
A very common combination is 'jemandem ähnlich sehen' (to look similar to someone). It expresses that one person resembles another in appearance.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind sieht seinem Vater überhaupt nicht ähnlich.
The child doesn't look at all like his father.
Compare with
ähnlich vs gleich
immediate / same
'gleich' and 'ähnlich' are easy to confuse because both are used when comparing things. 'gleich' means that two things are identical or match in all important points. 'ähnlich' only means that they have some features in common, but are not identical. If two bags have the same color, shape, and size, they can be 'gleich'. If they only look roughly the same, they are 'ähnlich'. For learners, the important point is: 'ähnlich' always allows for a difference; 'gleich' normally does not.
ähnlich
Beim Reisen sehe ich oft Häuser, die den alten Häusern in meiner Stadt ähnlich sind.
When traveling, I often see houses that are similar to the old houses in my city.
gleich
Die Eltern kaufen für beide Kinder die gleichen Schuhe.
The parents buy the same shoes for both children.
In real life
Loading video examples...