nominal
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nominal
Refers to a value that has not been adjusted for influences such as inflation. The opposite is 'real'.
Das nominelle Wirtschaftswachstum betrug 3 %, das reale Wachstum nach Abzug der Inflation jedoch nur 1 %.
Nominal economic growth was 3%, but real growth after deducting inflation was only 1%.
The word comes from the Latin 'nomen' (name). 'Nominell' (nominal) therefore literally means 'in name'. This origin helps you understand both meanings: something is so only in name, but not in reality.
Die nominelle Gebühr ist niedrig, aber es gibt viele versteckte Kosten.
The nominal fee is low, but there are many hidden costs.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. In economics and finance, 'nominell' (nominal) means 'not adjusted for inflation' and stands in contrast to 'real' (real). In social or political contexts, it means 'only on paper' and stands in contrast to 'faktisch' (de facto) or 'tatsächlich' (actual).
Sein nominelles Gehalt ist gestiegen, aber real kann er sich weniger leisten.
His nominal salary has increased, but in real terms he can afford less.
In an economic context, 'nominell' (nominal) is often combined with words that describe a monetary value or a rate. Typical examples are 'der nominelle Wert' (the nominal value), 'das nominelle Einkommen' (nominal income), or 'das nominelle Wachstum' (nominal growth).
Die nominellen Zinsen sind hoch, aber die Inflation ist noch höher.
Nominal interest rates are high, but inflation is even higher.
When it comes to roles or power, 'nominell' (nominal) describes a formal but not actual position. Common combinations are 'der nominelle Anführer' (the nominal leader), 'die nominelle Kontrolle' (nominal control), or 'nominell unabhängig' (nominally independent).
Das Land ist nominell unabhängig, wird aber stark von seinem Nachbarn beeinflusst.
The country is nominally independent, but it is strongly influenced by its neighbor.
indeed / actual
'tatsächlich' and 'nominell' can form a contrast. 'tatsächlich' refers to how something really is or what real effect it has. 'nominell', by contrast, often refers only to the name, the form, or the value on paper. With money, an amount can be nominally higher but actually worth less because of inflation. With roles or power, 'nominell' means that someone has the title but may not really make the decisions. So 'tatsächlich' asks about the real situation, while 'nominell' asks about the formal label or number.
Nominell steigt das Gehalt im nächsten Jahr, aber die Preise steigen auch.
Nominally, the salary will rise next year, but prices are rising too.
Der neue Chef entscheidet tatsächlich über fast alle wichtigen Fragen.
The new boss actually makes decisions on almost all important issues.