official
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official
Issued, confirmed, or certified by an authority or office. It has an official character and is legally binding.
Für die Anmeldung benötigen Sie eine amtlich beglaubigte Kopie Ihrer Geburtsurkunde.
For the registration, you need an officially certified copy of your birth certificate.
The adjective 'amtlich' (official) is derived from the noun 'das Amt' (office/authority), which refers to an authority or an official position. Something that is 'amtlich' (official) therefore comes directly from such an institution.
Der Bescheid vom Finanzamt ist ein amtliches Schreiben.
The notice from the tax office is an official letter.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. In formal situations with nouns like 'Dokument' (document) or 'Prüfung' (examination/inspection), it means 'official'. In colloquial speech, often at the beginning of a sentence, it means 'definite' or 'certain'.
Für den Antrag brauchen Sie einen amtlichen Nachweis.
For the application, you need official proof.
In its official meaning, 'amtlich' (official) is often used in fixed combinations, for example 'amtlich beglaubigt' (officially certified), 'amtliches Kennzeichen' (official license plate), or 'amtliche Bekanntmachung' (official announcement).
Die Übersetzung muss amtlich beglaubigt sein.
The translation must be officially certified.
The meaning 'certain' or 'definite' is purely colloquial. Use it in conversations with friends, but avoid it in formal or written contexts.
Morgen haben wir frei, das ist jetzt amtlich.
We have tomorrow off; that's definite now.
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'amtlich' can both express that something is settled. 'sicher' is neutral and fits in almost all situations when something is certain or very likely. 'amtlich' actually means that something comes from an authority or has been officially confirmed. Colloquially, 'amtlich' can also mean: This is definitely the case. The risk of confusion arises because 'amtlich' is sometimes used like 'sicher'. In normal conversations, 'sicher' is usually more natural. 'amtlich' fits precisely when it really is about an office or official confirmation, or colloquially when you want to say especially strongly that something is settled.
Nach der Prüfung ist es amtlich: Der Kurs fällt am Montag aus.
After the check, it's official: the course is canceled on Monday.
Es ist sicher, dass der Termin vor dem Wochenende stattfindet.
It is certain that the appointment will take place before the weekend.