original
Original, genuine; not a copy or forgery.
EXAMPLE
Das ist kein Nachdruck, sondern eine originale Ausgabe von 1850.
This is not a reprint, but an original edition from 1850.
original
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
original
original / creative
Especially creative, imaginative, and novel; not copied from others.
EXAMPLE
Sie hatte eine sehr originelle Idee für das Geburtstagsgeschenk.
She had a very original idea for the birthday present.
original
really
Colloquially used as an adverb to intensify a statement; really, actually.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ihn original eine Stunde lang nicht verstanden.
I really didn't understand him for a full hour.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'original' depends on the noun it describes. If it refers to works of art or documents, it means 'echt' (genuine). If it refers to ideas or gifts, it means 'kreativ' (creative).
EXAMPLE
Er besitzt ein originales Manuskript des Autors.
He owns an original manuscript by the author.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'echt' (genuine), 'original' is often used in connection with products and their condition. Typical phrases are 'original verpackt' (in original packaging), 'originale Ersatzteile' (original spare parts), or 'im Originalzustand' (in original condition).
EXAMPLE
Das Handy wird in der originalen Verpackung geliefert.
The phone is delivered in its original packaging.
Register and style
The use of 'original' as an intensifying adverb is purely colloquial. You should avoid it in formal texts or conversations.
EXAMPLE
Ich hab dem original fünfmal erklärt, wie es geht!
I literally explained to him five times how it works!
Sentence structure as an adverb
As a colloquial adverb, 'original' usually appears in the middle field of the sentence, directly before the part it is meant to emphasize. It functions similarly to 'wirklich' (really) or 'tatsächlich' (actually).
EXAMPLE
Der Film war original langweiliger als ich dachte.
The film was really more boring than I thought.
Compare with
original vs echt
real / really
When talking about an object, echt and original can both mean that it is not counterfeit. Original, however, emphasizes that it is the original item and not a copy; echt more generally says that the object is authentic and not fake. Original is therefore especially suitable when referring to its provenance.
original
Das Gemälde im Museum ist das Original und keine spätere Kopie.
The painting in the museum is the original, not a later copy.
echt
Die Tasche ist echt und keine Fälschung, auch wenn sie gebraucht ist.
The bag is genuine and not a fake, even though it is used.
In real life
Loading video examples...