01
anonym
anonymous
Without naming or knowing the name of the author or the person concerned. The identity remains unknown.
example
Der Autor des Briefes wollte anonym bleiben.
The author of the letter wanted to remain anonymous.
anonym
anonymous
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word comes from Greek: 'a-' means 'without' and 'ónoma' means 'name'. So 'anonym' (anonymous) literally means 'without a name'.
EXAMPLE
Eine anonyme Person hat der Polizei einen wichtigen Hinweis gegeben.
An anonymous person gave the police an important tip.
Fixed expression
A very common and important construction with this word is 'anonym bleiben' (to remain anonymous). It expresses the wish not to reveal one's identity.
EXAMPLE
Der Gewinner des Wettbewerbs möchte anonym bleiben.
The winner of the competition would like to remain anonymous.
Typical collocations
When it is about unknown people, 'anonym' (anonymous) is often combined with words such as 'ein anonymer Anruf' (an anonymous call), 'eine anonyme Spende' (an anonymous donation), or 'eine anonyme Umfrage' (an anonymous survey).
EXAMPLE
Das Krankenhaus erhielt eine große anonyme Spende.
The hospital received a large anonymous donation.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning because 'anonym' (anonymous) does not refer to a person, but to a place or situation. It then describes an impersonal, characterless atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen fühlen sich im anonymen Internet sicherer, ihre Meinung zu sagen.
Many people feel safer expressing their opinion on the anonymous internet.
Compare with
anonym vs persönlich
personal / in person
'persönlich' and 'anonym' form a contrast when it comes to a specific person and their identity. 'persönlich' fits when something belongs to a particular person or directly concerns them. 'anonym' means that the name or identity is not given or remains unknown. In forms, reviews, or messages, the difference is important: a personal message shows who it comes from or whom it concerns; an anonymous message remains without a name.
anonym
Die Beschwerde war anonym, deshalb kannte niemand den Absender.
The complaint was anonymous, so no one knew who had sent it.
persönlich
Bitte gib im Formular nur deine persönlichen Daten an.
Please enter only your personal information in the form.
In real life
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