independent / original
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independent
Independent of others and able to act, decide, or exist on one's own. Refers to people, organizations, or also tasks.
Nach der Ausbildung war sie finanziell eigenständig und zog in ihre erste eigene Wohnung.
After her training, she was financially independent and moved into her first apartment of her own.
The word is made up of 'eigen' (own) and 'ständig' (from 'stehen', to stand). The literal meaning is therefore 'standing on one's own feet', which describes the idea of independence very well.
Es ist ein wichtiger Schritt im Leben, finanziell eigenständig zu werden.
It is an important step in life to become financially independent.
'Eigenständig' is very often used as an adverb to describe that an action is carried out without help or guidance. It answers the question 'How?'.
Die Kinder sollen lernen, ihre Hausaufgaben eigenständig zu erledigen.
The children should learn to do their homework independently.
When it is about people, 'eigenständig' describes the ability to decide and act for oneself. Typical combinations are 'eigenständig leben' (to live independently), 'eigenständig arbeiten' (to work independently), or 'eine eigenständige Entscheidung treffen' (to make an independent decision).
Als Projektleiterin muss sie viele Entscheidungen eigenständig treffen.
As project manager, she has to make many decisions independently.
When 'eigenständig' refers to a work or an idea, it means 'originell' (original) or 'unverwechselbar' (distinctive). Common combinations are 'ein eigenständiges Design' (an original design), 'ein eigenständiger Stil' (a distinctive style), or 'ein eigenständiges Kunstwerk' (an original work of art).
Die Regisseurin ist für ihren sehr eigenständigen visuellen Stil bekannt.
The director is known for her very distinctive visual style.
independent
'unabhängig' and 'eigenständig' are close in meaning because both can express that someone or something is not determined by others. 'unabhängig' puts more emphasis on freedom from control, help, money, or influence. 'eigenständig' puts more emphasis on someone being able to act, decide, or exist on their own. In addition, 'eigenständig' can also mean that something has its own character and is not just a copy. In many everyday situations, both words fit, but 'unabhängig' sounds more precise when dependency is involved, and 'eigenständig' sounds more natural when talking about working on one's own or having a form of one's own.
Für den Kurs schreibt Mehmet eine eigenständige Arbeit mit eigenen Beispielen.
For the course, Mehmet is writing an independent paper with his own examples.
Die Zeitung möchte unabhängig bleiben und keine politischen Gruppen unterstützen.
The newspaper wants to remain independent and not support any political groups.