01
aktuell
current
Referring to the present; happening at the moment, relevant, or of interest.
example
Die aktuellen Nachrichten berichten über das Wahlergebnis.
The current news reports on the election result.
aktuell
current
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Meanings
Usage tips
False friend
'Aktuell' (current) means 'present' or 'important right now.' It is a very common mistake to confuse it with the English word 'actually,' which means 'tatsächlich' or 'eigentlich' in German.
EXAMPLE
Was sind die aktuellen Kinofilme?
What are the current movies in theaters?
Use as an adverb
'Aktuell' (currently) can also be used as an adverb at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. It then means 'at present' or 'at the moment' and describes when something is happening.
EXAMPLE
Aktuell haben wir keine freien Stellen.
Currently, we have no open positions.
Typical collocations
As an adjective, 'aktuell' (current) often describes things that change quickly or are relevant to the present. Typical nouns are: the current situation, current information, a current topic, or current data.
EXAMPLE
Für meine Präsentation brauche ich aktuelle Zahlen.
For my presentation, I need current figures.
Compare with
aktuell vs heute
today
'heute' and 'aktuell' both refer to the present. 'heute' is an adverb and means either the current day or the present time in a broader sense. 'aktuell' is an adjective and describes something that is valid, important, or new at the moment. It is easy to confuse the words because both have to do with 'jetzt' (now). But for a specific day, you say 'heute'. For information, topics, or situations that are currently valid, 'aktuell' is usually a better fit.
aktuell
Für die Bewerbung brauche ich einen aktuellen Lebenslauf.
For the application, I need a current CV.
heute
Heute bleibt das Büro wegen einer Besprechung länger geschlossen.
Today the office will stay closed longer because of a meeting.
In real life
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