01
gemeint
meant
Refers to the person, thing, or situation that is actually intended in a statement or question.
example
Nein, nicht du warst gemeint, sondern dein Bruder.
No, you weren't meant, your brother was.
gemeint
meant
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Gemeint' (meant) is the past participle of the verb 'meinen' (to mean). It is used like an adjective, but almost always together with a form of the verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Ich glaube, mit dieser Regel ist etwas anderes gemeint.
I think this rule means something else.
Typical questions
The word is used very often in questions to ask for a more precise explanation or identification. Typical questions are 'Wer ist gemeint?' (Who is meant?) or 'Was ist damit gemeint?' (What is meant by that?).
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer sagte, einer von uns soll an die Tafel kommen. Wer war wohl gemeint?
The teacher said one of us should come to the board. I wonder who was meant?
Describing intention
To describe the intention behind something, 'gemeint' (meant) is often combined with an adverb. Common combinations are 'gut gemeint' (well meant), 'böse gemeint' (meant maliciously), 'als Scherz gemeint' (intended as a joke), or 'ernst gemeint' (meant seriously).
EXAMPLE
Seine Kritik war nicht böse gemeint, sondern sollte dir nur helfen.
His criticism wasn't meant maliciously; it was only supposed to help you.
Compare with
gemeint vs angesprochen
addressed / mentioned
'angesprochen' and 'gemeint' can both have to do with a statement and the person it is aimed at. 'angesprochen' means that someone was addressed directly or indirectly, or that a topic was mentioned. 'gemeint' emphasizes who or what was really the target of the statement, or what intention was behind it. You can feel 'angesprochen' even though you were not 'gemeint' at all. That is exactly why the words can be confused. 'angesprochen' fits more with the effect on the listener or with mentioning a topic. 'gemeint' fits more with the speaker's intention.
gemeint
Mit der Bemerkung war nicht mein Kollege gemeint, sondern der neue Praktikant.
The remark was not meant for my colleague, but for the new intern.
angesprochen
Nach der Kritik im Team fühlte sich der Mitarbeiter sofort angesprochen.
After the criticism in the team, the employee immediately felt addressed.
In real life
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