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.
definite
Colloquial for certain, definite, or final. It is used to express that something is settled.
Jetzt ist es amtlich: Wir fahren nächste Woche in den Urlaub.
Now it's definite: we're going on vacation next week.
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.
official
Offiziell and amtlich can both refer to confirmed information. Offiziell is broader and also applies to confirmation by other recognized authorities. Amtlich more narrowly points to an office or authority and emphasizes the legally binding nature.
Das Bürgeramt stellte ihm eine amtliche Bestätigung seines Wohnsitzes aus.
The citizens' office issued him an official confirmation of his residence.
Die Universität veröffentlichte die offizielle Bestätigung seiner Zulassung.
The university published the official confirmation of his admission.
