echt
real
Authentic, original, and not fake or imitation.
EXAMPLE
Diese Handtasche ist aus echtem Leder.
This handbag is made of real leather.
echt
real / really
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Meanings
echt
really
Used colloquially as an adverb for emphasis and means 'wirklich' (really) or 'sehr' (very).
EXAMPLE
Der Film war echt spannend!
The film was really exciting!
echt
genuine
Describes feelings, intentions, or people as sincere and unaffected.
EXAMPLE
Seine Freude über das Geschenk war echt.
His joy about the gift was genuine.
Usage tips
Adjective vs. adverb
'Echt' can stand before a noun as an adjective and is then declined. But it can also stand as an unchanging adverb for emphasis before an adjective or verb.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein echtes Problem.
That is a real problem.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'authentisch' (authentic), 'echt' is often used to describe materials. Common combinations are 'echtes Gold' (real gold), 'echtes Leder' (real leather), or 'echte Perlen' (real pearls).
EXAMPLE
Er trägt einen Ring aus echtem Gold.
He is wearing a ring made of real gold.
Colloquial use
The use of 'echt' as an adverb for emphasis (in the sense of 'wirklich' (really) or 'sehr' (very)) is typical of colloquial speech. It should be avoided in formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin echt müde heute.
I'm really tired today.
Sincere feelings
To express sincerity, 'echt' is often combined with feelings or social relationships. Typical examples are 'echte Freude' (genuine joy), 'echtes Interesse' (genuine interest), or 'ein echter Freund' (a true friend).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine echte Freundin, auf die ich mich immer verlassen kann.
She is a true friend whom I can always rely on.
Compare with
echt vs sehr
very
Before an adjective, sehr and echt can express a high degree. Sehr is neutral and is also suitable for factual statements. As an intensifier, echt sounds colloquial and often more emotional, which is why it is especially appropriate in casual conversations.
echt
Im Gespräch mit Freunden nennt Paul den Film echt spannend.
When talking with friends, Paul calls the film really exciting.
sehr
In seiner schriftlichen Bewertung nennt Paul den Film sehr spannend.
In his written review, Paul calls the film very exciting.
In real life
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