originality
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originality
The quality of being new, independent, and not imitated. It describes the uniqueness and creative content of an idea, a work, or a person.
Die Jury lobte die hohe Originalität des Entwurfs.
The jury praised the high originality of the design.
The noun 'Originalität' (originality) is derived from the adjective 'originell' (original). The ending '-ität' is often used in German to form abstract nouns from adjectives that describe a quality.
Sein Vorschlag war sehr originell.
His suggestion was very original.
'Originalität' (originality) is often combined with adjectives that describe degree. Common combinations are 'hohe Originalität' (high originality), 'große Originalität' (great originality), or also 'mangelnde Originalität' (lack of originality).
Das Kunstwerk zeichnet sich durch große Originalität aus.
The artwork is distinguished by great originality.
When expressing that originality is not present, the phrase 'es fehlt an ...' (there is a lack of ...) is often used. In this construction, 'Originalität' (originality) is in the dative.
Dem Projekt fehlt es leider an Originalität.
Unfortunately, the project lacks originality.
creativity
'Kreativität' and 'Originalität' both describe something new or individual. 'Kreativität' is the ability to develop new ideas or to create something. 'Originalität' describes more the quality of the result: an idea or work is independent and not simply copied. The words can be confused because creative work is often original too. Still, the perspective is different: 'Kreativität' focuses on the ability or process, while 'Originalität' focuses on the special individual character of an idea or product.
Die Originalität des Entwurfs hat die Jury sofort überzeugt.
The originality of the design immediately convinced the jury.
Im Garten merkt man, wie viel Kreativität in den selbst gebauten Möbeln steckt.
In the garden, you can see how much creativity went into the homemade furniture.