imagined / invented
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imagined / invented
Created in the imagination or through thinking; made up or invented. Describes something that is not real, but was created in the mind.
Die Figur des Sherlock Holmes ist eine vollständig erdachte Gestalt.
The character of Sherlock Holmes is a completely invented figure.
'Erdacht' (imagined / invented) is the past participle of the inseparable verb 'erdenken' (to devise / think up). It is made up of the prefix 'er-' and the verb 'denken' (to think) and means to create something through thought.
Der Architekt hat sich einen cleveren Plan für das kleine Haus erdacht.
The architect came up with a clever plan for the small house.
The adjective often describes creative creations. Typical combinations are 'eine erdachte Geschichte' (an invented story), 'eine erdachte Figur' (an invented character), or 'eine erdachte Welt' (an imagined world).
Alle Charaktere in diesem Roman sind frei erdacht.
All the characters in this novel are entirely invented.
To emphasize that something is pure fiction, 'erdacht' (imagined / invented) is often combined with adverbs such as 'frei' (freely), 'vollständig' (completely), or 'komplett' (completely).
Die Handlung des Films ist nicht historisch, sondern komplett erdacht.
The plot of the film is not historical, but completely invented.
really
'wirklich' and 'erdacht' are opposites when it comes to reality and imagination. 'wirklich' means that something is real or actually exists. 'erdacht' means that something was created through thinking or imagination and does not have to be real. 'erdacht' often sounds a bit more written or formal than 'ausgedacht' and works well with plans, stories, characters, or ideas.
Am Montag stellte die Chefin ein erdachtes Beispiel für den Notfall vor.
On Monday, the boss presented an invented example for the emergency.
Die Familie hat heute wirklich einen Termin beim Arzt.
The family really does have a doctor's appointment today.