original
das Original, die Originale
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original
Something genuine that has not been imitated or copied. It often serves as a model for copies or reproductions.
Das Museum zeigt das Original und daneben eine moderne Kopie.
The museum displays the original alongside a modern copy.
original version
The first or authoritative version of a text, film, or other work, especially in the language in which it was created.
Den Roman habe ich im Original auf Englisch gelesen.
I read the novel in the original English.
original / character
A person with an unusual, unconventional, or particularly distinctive personality.
Der alte Nachbar ist ein echtes Original und kennt jeden im Viertel.
The old neighbor is a real character and knows everyone in the neighborhood.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Originale |
| genitive | des Originals |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Original | die Originale |
| accusative | das Original | die Originale |
| dative | dem Original | den Originalen |
| genitive | des Originals | der Originale |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The surrounding words often show which meaning of „Original“ (original) is intended: with museum, authenticity, or copy, it refers to a genuine object; with film, book, text, or document, it refers to an original version; in „ein echtes Original“ (a real character), it refers to a person.
Im Museum kann man das Original neben einer Kopie sehen.
You can see the original next to a copy in the museum.
Der Regisseur zeigte den Film im Original.
The director showed the film in the original version.
Mit seinem bunten Anzug ist der neue Nachbar ein echtes Original.
With his colorful suit, the new neighbor is a real character.
In this meaning, „Original“ (original) is often used in connection with verifying authenticity or with a model. Typical collocations are „das Original erkennen“ (to identify the original), „das Original aufbewahren“ (to preserve the original), and „eine Kopie vom Original anfertigen“ (to make a copy of the original).
Die Expertin konnte anhand mehrerer Merkmale das Original erkennen.
The expert was able to identify the original based on several features.
For works and documents, the fixed expression „im Original“ (in the original) is often used. A language specified afterward indicates the language of the original version.
Wir sehen den französischen Film heute im Original auf Französisch.
Today we are watching the French film in the original French.
When referring to a person, „Original“ (character) usually appears with an evaluative modifier such as „ein echtes Original“ (a real character) or „ein richtiges Original“ (a real character). This usage is generally colloquial and describes a striking, unconventional, or entertaining personality.
Unsere Kunstlehrerin ist ein echtes Original und trägt jeden Tag einen anderen Hut.
Our art teacher is a real character and wears a different hat every day.
