reality
die Realität, die Realitäten
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reality
The totality of what actually exists, as opposed to ideas, dreams, or illusions.
Seine Pläne klingen gut, aber die Realität sieht leider oft anders aus.
His plans sound good, but unfortunately reality often looks different.
reality
A specific circumstance or fact that actually exists, often with a negative connotation.
Die Armut in vielen Teilen der Welt ist eine harte Realität.
Poverty in many parts of the world is a harsh reality.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Realitäten |
| genitive | der Realität |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Realität | die Realitäten |
| accusative | die Realität | die Realitäten |
| dative | der Realität | den Realitäten |
| genitive | der Realität | der Realitäten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The ending '-ität' is typical for many abstract nouns in German, which often come from Latin. When you see this ending, you know it is a feminine noun (die Realität, die Qualität, die Universität).
Die Universität hat eine hohe Qualität in der Forschung.
The university has a high quality of research.
In the general sense, 'Realität' (reality) is often used in fixed expressions that describe a contrast with an idea or expectation. Common ones are 'in der Realität' (in reality), 'zur Realität werden' (to become reality), or 'den Bezug zur Realität verlieren' (to lose touch with reality).
Sein Traum, ein berühmter Musiker zu werden, ist endlich Realität geworden.
His dream of becoming a famous musician has finally become reality.
When a specific, often negative fact is meant, 'Realität' (reality) is frequently combined with adjectives like 'hart' (harsh), 'bitter' (bitter), or 'traurig' (sad). Another typical expression is 'der Realität ins Auge blicken' (to face reality).
Es ist eine harte Realität, dass nicht alle Kinder Zugang zu Bildung haben.
It is a harsh reality that not all children have access to education.
Man muss der Realität ins Auge sehen und akzeptieren, dass der Plan gescheitert ist.
You have to face reality and accept that the plan has failed.
truth
Die Wahrheit concerns the truth of a statement or thought. Die Realität, by contrast, refers to the circumstances that actually exist, even when they are unpleasant. When checking a statement, Wahrheit is the right word; when talking about an existing situation, Realität is appropriate.
Unsere Realität ist, dass das Geld nicht reicht.
Our reality is that we do not have enough money.
Die Aussage, dass unser Geld nicht reicht, entspricht der Wahrheit.
The statement that we do not have enough money is true.
