falsch
wrong
Not corresponding to the truth, a norm, or a standard; incorrect.
EXAMPLE
Die Antwort in der Prüfung war leider falsch.
Unfortunately, the answer on the exam was wrong.
falsch
wrong / false
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Meanings
falsch
wrong
Unsuitable or inappropriate for a particular situation or purpose.
EXAMPLE
Er trug die falsche Kleidung für die feierliche Veranstaltung.
He wore the wrong clothes for the formal event.
falsch
false
Intended to deceive or defraud; insincere or hypocritical.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe das Gefühl, er ist ein falscher Freund.
I have the feeling that he is a false friend.
falsch liegen
to be wrong
To be mistaken or to have an incorrect assessment.
EXAMPLE
Ich dachte, das Treffen sei morgen, aber da lag ich wohl falsch.
I thought the meeting was tomorrow, but I was probably wrong.
falsch verbunden
wrong number
A fixed expression on the telephone when you have accidentally dialed the wrong number.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, ich bin wohl falsch verbunden.
Sorry, I think I have the wrong number.
falsch
fake
Imitated or artificial, not made of the genuine material.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei stellte eine große Menge falscher Geldscheine sicher.
The police seized a large quantity of fake banknotes.
Usage tips
Use as an adverb
'Falsch' (wrong/incorrect) can also be used as an adverb to describe that an action is being carried out incorrectly. It then usually stands directly before the verb at the end of the sentence or after the conjugated verb.
EXAMPLE
Du hast die Frage falsch verstanden.
You misunderstood the question.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'inkorrekt' (incorrect), 'falsch' (wrong) is often combined with information, results, or routes. Typical examples are a wrong answer, a wrong address, or the wrong train.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind im falschen Zug, wir müssen sofort aussteigen!
We are on the wrong train; we have to get off immediately!
Inappropriate choice
When something is 'falsch' (wrong) for a situation, it means 'unpassend' (inappropriate). It is often about a choice or decision, for example the wrong clothes, the wrong time, or the wrong decision.
EXAMPLE
Es war der falsche Moment, um über dieses Thema zu sprechen.
It was the wrong moment to talk about this topic.
Insincere character
When 'falsch' (false/insincere) describes a person or their behavior, it often means 'unaufrichtig' (insincere) or 'heuchlerisch' (hypocritical). It then has a strongly negative and moral meaning.
EXAMPLE
Sein Lächeln wirkte falsch und unehrlich.
His smile seemed false and dishonest.
Fixed expression
The expression 'falsch liegen' (to be wrong) means 'sich irren' (to be mistaken). The person who is mistaken is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Mit meiner Vermutung lag ich komplett falsch.
I was completely wrong in my assumption.
On the telephone
The expression 'falsch verbunden' (wrong number) is a fixed expression used almost only on the telephone. You say it when you realize that you have called the wrong person.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, da bin ich wohl falsch verbunden.
Sorry, I think I have the wrong number.
Imitated and forged
In combination with objects such as money, documents, or jewelry, 'falsch' (fake/false) means that they are not genuine, but forged or counterfeit.
EXAMPLE
Er versuchte, mit falschem Geld zu bezahlen.
He tried to pay with fake money.
Compare with
falsch vs doppelt
double
Both words can describe a dishonest person. Falsch can be used directly as a predicate and generally refers to insincerity or hypocrisy. Doppelt usually has this meaning in fixed expressions such as „doppeltes Spiel“. Therefore, use Falsch in general and Doppelt especially in such expressions.
falsch
Er ist falsch und erzählt jedem etwas anderes.
He is two-faced and tells everyone something different.
doppelt
Er spielt doppeltes Spiel und verspricht beiden Seiten seine Unterstützung.
He is playing both sides and promises both sides his support.
In real life
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