01
alternativ
alternative
Representing another possibility; available as one of several options.
example
Wir können uns um 15 Uhr treffen, oder gibt es einen alternativen Vorschlag?
We can meet at 3 p.m., or is there an alternative suggestion?
alternativ
alternative
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'alternativ' (alternative) is directly related to the noun 'die Alternative' (the alternative). An alternative is another possibility or a choice.
EXAMPLE
Gibt es eine Alternative zu diesem Plan?
Is there an alternative to this plan?
Adverbial use
'Alternativ' (alternatively) can also be used as an adverb at the beginning of a sentence and then introduces another possibility. In this position, it is separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
EXAMPLE
Wir könnten ins Kino gehen. Alternativ, wir bleiben zu Hause und sehen einen Film.
We could go to the movies. Alternatively, we could stay home and watch a film.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'not conforming to the mainstream', 'alternativ' (alternative) is often combined with certain nouns. Common examples are 'alternative Medizin' (alternative medicine), 'alternative Energiequellen' (alternative energy sources), or 'alternative Lebensformen' (alternative ways of life).
EXAMPLE
Sie heizt ihr Haus mit alternativen Energien.
She heats her house with alternative energies.
Compare with
alternativ vs anders
different / differently
'anders' and 'alternativ' both have to do with something that is not the same or not the normal choice. 'anders' is very general: a person, a plan, or a situation can be different from what was expected. 'alternativ' more often means that there is another possibility that you can choose. In addition, 'alternativ' can describe a lifestyle or method that deliberately does not follow what is usual. In everyday language, 'anders' fits when you are simply describing a difference. 'alternativ' fits better when it is about an option or a deliberately different direction.
alternativ
Als alternative Lösung können wir das Treffen online machen.
As an alternative solution, we can hold the meeting online.
anders
Heute machen wir es anders und fahren mit dem Zug.
Today we're doing it differently and taking the train.
In real life
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