das Gegenteil
opposite
Something that is completely opposed to another thing in its qualities or meaning.
EXAMPLE
Hass ist das Gegenteil von Liebe.
Hate is the opposite of love.
das Gegenteil
opposite
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Meanings
im Gegenteil
on the contrary
A fixed expression used to negate a previous statement and emphasize that the opposite is the case.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin nicht böse auf dich – im Gegenteil, ich bin froh, dass du ehrlich warst.
I'm not angry with you — on the contrary, I'm glad you were honest.
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word is made up of 'gegen' (against) and 'Teil' (part). So it literally describes the 'part' that stands opposed to something.
EXAMPLE
Das Gegenteil von „heiß“ ist „kalt“.
The opposite of 'heiß' (hot) is 'kalt' (cold).
Sentence structure with 'von'
When 'Gegenteil' (opposite) has the meaning 'opposite thing', it is almost always used with the preposition 'von' and the dative to name the reference point.
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten war das genaue Gegenteil von dem, was er versprochen hatte.
His behavior was the exact opposite of what he had promised.
Word order
The fixed expression 'im Gegenteil' (on the contrary) often appears at the beginning of a sentence to correct a previous statement. In this position, it introduces a main clause and requires inversion (the verb comes directly after it in position 2).
EXAMPLE
Er ist nicht faul. Im Gegenteil, er arbeitet mehr als alle anderen.
He is not lazy. On the contrary, he works more than everyone else.
Compare with
Gegenteil vs Gegensatz
opposite / contrast
Both words refer to something opposite. „Das Gegenteil“ usually refers to the opposing thing or quality, while „der Gegensatz“ more often refers to the relationship or comparison between two sides. Use „Gegenteil“ for a single opposing position and „Gegensatz“ for the contrast between both sides.
Gegenteil
Das Gegenteil von warm ist kalt.
The opposite of warm is cold.
Gegensatz
Zwischen den warmen und kalten Farben besteht ein deutlicher Gegensatz.
There is a clear contrast between warm and cool colors.
In real life
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