01
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
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Meanings
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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 wirklich
really
'wirklich' and 'original' can both emphasize that something is genuine or actual. 'wirklich' is very general and fits statements like 'Das ist wirklich teuer' (That is really expensive) or 'War das wirklich so?' (Was it really like that?). 'original' is used especially when something is genuine and not a copy or forgery, for example with a painting, spare part, or document. Colloquially, 'original' can also intensify a statement like 'wirklich', but it sounds much more casual. The words can be confused because both can express 'echt' (real / genuine). A simple rule is: for a normal confirmation, you usually use 'wirklich'; for 'not a copy', you use 'original'.
original
Im Museum hängt das originale Bild, keine Kopie.
The original painting is hanging in the museum, not a copy.
wirklich
Die Kundin hat beim Termin wirklich viele Fragen gestellt.
The customer really asked a lot of questions during the appointment.
In real life
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