deutlich
clear
Clear and easy to understand, so that it can be heard, seen, or read well.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie bitte etwas lauter und deutlicher sprechen?
Could you please speak a little louder and more clearly?
deutlich
clear / clearly
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Meanings
deutlich
clear
Unambiguous, unmistakable, and clearly recognizable.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein deutliches Zeichen für eine Verbesserung der Lage.
That is a clear sign of an improvement in the situation.
deutlich
significantly
Used as an adverb to describe a large extent or considerable degree; substantially, significantly.
EXAMPLE
Die Temperaturen sind heute deutlich höher als gestern.
The temperatures are significantly higher today than yesterday.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'deutlich' (clear/clearly) is related to the verb 'deuten', which means 'zeigen' (to show) or 'interpretieren' (to interpret). So something that is 'deutlich' can be recognized or understood well.
EXAMPLE
Seine Geste war eine deutliche Ablehnung.
His gesture was a clear rejection.
Use as an adverb
'Deutlich' (clearly) can be used unchanged as an adverb to describe a verb. In this function, it answers the question 'Wie?' (How?).
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine Meinung deutlich gesagt.
He stated his opinion clearly.
Intensification in comparisons
As an adverb, 'deutlich' (significantly) is very often used to emphasize a difference. It then stands directly before a comparative (e.g. 'besser' (better), 'mehr' (more)) or an adjective and means 'viel' (much) or 'wesentlich' (substantially).
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Training ist sie deutlich schneller geworden.
Since the training, she has become significantly faster.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'klar verständlich' (clearly understandable), 'deutlich' (clear/clearly) is often connected with communication: 'deutlich sprechen' (to speak clearly), 'deutlich schreiben' (to write clearly), or to have a 'deutliche Aussprache' (clear pronunciation).
EXAMPLE
Bitte schreiben Sie Ihren Namen in deutlichen Buchstaben.
Please write your name in clear letters.
Compare with
klaroffensichtlichausdrücklicherheblichverständlicherkennbarauffälligausgeprägtsichtlichsignifikantauffallendmerklich
deutlich vs klar
clear
Klar and deutlich can both mean that a statement is easy to understand. Klar emphasizes that its content is unambiguous. Deutlich often highlights that the words can be heard or seen clearly, or that they are clearly articulated.
deutlich
Die Lehrerin spricht deutlich, sodass alle ihre Worte gut hören können.
The teacher speaks clearly, so everyone can hear her words well.
klar
Die Lehrerin erklärt die Aufgabe klar, sodass niemand am Inhalt zweifelt.
The teacher explains the assignment clearly, so no one has any doubts about its meaning.
In real life
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