de facto
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de facto
Describes a state that exists in reality, even if it is not officially or formally recognized. It means roughly 'in reality' or 'actually'.
Obwohl sie nicht die Abteilungsleiterin ist, ist sie die faktische Chefin des Teams.
Although she is not the department head, she is the de facto boss of the team.
The adjective 'faktisch' (de facto/actual) is derived directly from the noun 'das Fakt' (the fact), which means 'Tatsache' (fact). It therefore describes something that is based on facts or corresponds to a fact.
Es ist ein Fakt, dass die Erde rund ist.
It is a fact that the Earth is round.
'Faktisch' (de facto) tends to belong to formal written language and is often used in politics, law, and journalism. In normal everyday conversation, it often sounds somewhat stiff.
Der Bericht der Kommission beschreibt die faktische Lage im Land.
The commission's report describes the de facto situation in the country.
The word 'faktisch' (de facto) often suggests a contrast between reality and an official regulation, title, or theory. It emphasizes how things are 'in reality'.
Er hat zwar keine offizielle Position, aber er ist der faktische Anführer der Gruppe.
He may not have an official position, but he is the de facto leader of the group.
really
wirklich can generally or personally emphatically confirm a statement. faktisch, by contrast, states objectively what exists in reality, even if it is not officially recognized. Use faktisch for an objectively described state of affairs and wirklich to reinforce a statement.
Jana leitet das Team faktisch, obwohl offiziell noch ihr Kollege dafür zuständig ist.
Jana de facto leads the team, although her colleague is still officially responsible for it.
Jana leitet das Team wirklich, denn alle wichtigen Entscheidungen trifft sie.
Jana really leads the team, because she makes all the important decisions.
