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sole
Describes that something or someone is the only one in a particular role, function, or quality. It emphasizes exclusivity and is a stronger form of 'einzig' (only/unique).
Er trägt die alleinige Verantwortung für das Projekt.
He bears sole responsibility for the project.
The adjective 'alleinig' (sole) is derived from 'allein' (alone). The ending '-ig' turns the adverb 'allein' into an adjective that strengthens the meaning of exclusivity and uniqueness.
Sie ist die alleinige Geschäftsführerin der Firma.
She is the sole managing director of the company.
'Alleinig' (sole) is used almost exclusively attributively, meaning it stands directly before a noun. Using it as a standalone adjective at the end of a sentence is very rare and sounds unnatural.
Er hat das alleinige Sorgerecht für die Kinder.
He has sole custody of the children.
This adjective is often used in combination with nouns that describe a role, possession, or cause. Common combinations are 'alleinige Verantwortung' (sole responsibility), 'alleinige Schuld' (sole blame), 'alleiniger Erbe' (sole heir), or 'alleiniger Eigentümer' (sole owner).
Der Richter gab ihm die alleinige Schuld am Unfall.
The judge gave him sole blame for the accident.
'Alleinig' (sole) belongs more to written language and is often used in formal, official, or legal contexts. It sounds emphatic and underlines the exclusivity of a thing or person.
Im Testament wurde er als alleiniger Erbe eingesetzt.
In the will, he was appointed as the sole heir.
alone / only
'allein' and 'alleinig' can both express that only one person or thing is meant. 'allein' is more general and is often used like 'nur' (only). 'alleinig' usually comes before a noun and puts stronger emphasis on someone or something being the only holder of a role, power, or responsibility. It sounds more formal than 'allein'. Learners may confuse the words because both express exclusivity. In normal conversation, people often say 'allein'. For fixed roles or official responsibility, 'alleinig' is more precise.
Frau Becker ist die alleinige Besitzerin der kleinen Bäckerei.
Ms. Becker is the sole owner of the small bakery.
Allein der Preis entscheidet nicht, welches Handy ich kaufe.
Price alone does not decide which phone I buy.