01
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
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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 recht
right / quite
'recht' and 'falsch' can be opposites when it comes to truth, mistakes, or suitable decisions. 'recht' then means that a statement is correct or that someone is right in their opinion. 'falsch' means that something is not true, not correct, or does not fit. For example, you say 'du hast recht' (you are right), but 'du liegst falsch' (you are wrong). The contrast is also clear with solutions or decisions: a right or correct solution stands opposite a wrong solution. In everyday language, 'richtig' is usually more common than 'recht' for answers, but 'recht haben' (to be right) is very common.
falsch
Ist diese Nummer falsch, oder erreiche ich hier das Reisebüro?
Is this number wrong, or have I reached the travel agency?
recht
Bei der Bewerbung hatten wir recht: Der erste Eindruck war sehr wichtig.
We were right about the application: the first impression was very important.
In real life
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