einsam
lonely
The negative feeling of being alone and without social contacts; feeling separated from others.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl er viele Bekannte hatte, fühlte er sich oft einsam.
Although he had many acquaintances, he often felt lonely.
einsam
lonely / remote
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Meanings
einsam
remote / deserted
Describes a place that is remote, deserted, and quiet.
EXAMPLE
Sie fanden eine einsame Bucht, in der sie ungestört schwimmen konnten.
They found a secluded cove where they could swim undisturbed.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of 'ein' (one) and the suffix '-sam', which describes a quality or tendency. 'Einsam' (lonely) therefore describes the state or feeling of being alone.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Umzug fühlte er sich in der neuen Stadt sehr einsam.
After the move, he felt very lonely in the new city.
Context clue
The meaning of 'einsam' (lonely / remote) depends on the context. If it refers to a person and their feelings, it means 'lonely'. If it describes a place, it means 'remote' or 'deserted'.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein einsamer Mensch, der nur wenige Freunde hat.
He is a lonely person who has only a few friends.
Typical collocations
When referring to the feeling, 'einsam' (lonely) is often combined with verbs like 'sich fühlen' (to feel), 'sein' (to be), or 'werden' (to become). A typical phrase is 'sich einsam fühlen' (to feel lonely).
EXAMPLE
Im Alter werden viele Menschen einsam.
In old age, many people become lonely.
Typical collocations
When describing a place, 'einsam' (remote / deserted) often comes before nouns like 'Insel' (island), 'Strand' (beach), 'Hütte' (cabin), 'Gegend' (area), or 'Tal' (valley).
EXAMPLE
Der Wanderweg führte durch ein einsames Tal.
The hiking trail led through a remote valley.
Compare with
einsam vs allein
alone / only
Allein initially describes only the fact that a person has no company. Einsam, by contrast, refers to the negative feeling of being separated from others. Someone who is alone therefore does not necessarily feel lonely; someone who suffers from a lack of contact is einsam (lonely).
einsam
Weil Lea zu Hause niemanden zum Reden hat, fühlt sie sich einsam.
Because Lea has no one to talk to at home, she feels lonely.
allein
Obwohl Lea gern allein zu Hause ist, fühlt sie sich dabei wohl.
Although Lea likes being alone at home, she feels comfortable that way.
In real life
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