sole
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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 can restrict a statement to a particular person and often does not appear directly before a noun. Alleinig, by contrast, is used attributively and describes someone as the only person in a role or function. That is why one says allein zuständig, but die alleinige Verantwortliche.
Frau Berger ist die alleinige Verantwortliche für das Projekt.
Ms. Berger is the sole person responsible for the project.
Frau Berger ist allein für das Projekt zuständig.
Ms. Berger is solely responsible for the project.
