originell
creative / original
Designed in a new, creative, and non-imitative way; showing individuality and inventive spirit.
EXAMPLE
Sie hatte eine wirklich originelle Idee für das Bühnenbild.
She had a truly creative idea for the stage design.
originell
original / creative
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Meanings
originell
original
Original; existing in its initial, unaltered form. This meaning is rarer and more formal or technical.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen das Zitat in seiner originellen Fassung prüfen, nicht in der Übersetzung.
We need to check the quote in its original version, not in the translation.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'originell' (original/creative) derives from the Latin 'origo', meaning 'origin' or 'source'. Something originell therefore has its own origin and is not copied from something else.
EXAMPLE
Sein Kunstwerk ist wirklich originell und hebt sich von anderen ab.
His artwork is truly original and stands out from the others.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'creative', 'originell' is often used to describe positive, new, and surprising things. Typical combinations are: 'eine originelle Idee' (an original/creative idea), 'ein originelles Geschenk' (an original gift), 'eine originelle Lösung' (an original solution), or 'ein origineller Stil' (an original style).
EXAMPLE
Wir brauchen eine originelle Lösung für dieses Problem.
We need a creative solution to this problem.
Context clue
You can recognize the rarer meaning 'original' from the context. It is almost always used in connection with documents, texts, or works of art, often together with nouns like 'Fassung' (version), 'Text' (text), or 'Manuskript' (manuscript).
EXAMPLE
Der Forscher wollte das Manuskript in seiner originellen Form sehen.
The researcher wanted to see the manuscript in its original form.
Register
The meaning 'original' is mainly used in written language, especially in academic or technical texts. It is hardly ever used in everyday conversation.
EXAMPLE
Die originelle Fassung des Vertrags enthält andere Klauseln.
The original version of the contract contains different clauses.
Compare with
originell vs original
original
When referring to an idea, original can mean that it was not adopted from others. Originell places greater emphasis on creative, unusual, and imaginative design. When independence is important, use original; when an idea seems especially inventive, originell is usually used.
originell
Die Idee für das Spiel ist originell und überrascht alle mit ihrem neuen Konzept.
The idea for the game is creative and surprises everyone with its new concept.
original
Die Idee für das Spiel ist original und stammt nicht aus einem anderen Projekt.
The idea for the game is original and did not come from another project.
In real life
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