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
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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 can be used to compare two things. Gleich, however, states that they are identical or completely alike, whereas ähnlich refers only to certain shared features and leaves room for differences. Use gleich for the same form or design, and ähnlich for a mere resemblance.
ähnlich
Die beiden Ausdrucke sind ähnlich, aber die Überschriften und Farben unterscheiden sich.
The two printouts are similar, but the headings and colors are different.
gleich
Die beiden Ausdrucke sind gleich und unterscheiden sich in keinem wichtigen Detail.
The two printouts are the same and do not differ in any important detail.
In real life
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