01
relativ
relatively
Used as an adverb to soften a statement; means something like 'quite', 'comparatively', or 'fairly'.
example
Für diese Jahreszeit ist es heute relativ warm.
For this time of year, it is relatively warm today.
relativ
relative / relatively
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Meanings
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Usage tips
False friend
The German word 'relativ' (relative/relatively) is an adjective or adverb. Don't confuse it with the English noun 'a relative' (a family member). A family member is called 'der/die Verwandte' in German.
EXAMPLE
Meine Verwandten leben alle in einer anderen Stadt.
My relatives all live in another city.
Use as an adverb
As an adverb, 'relativ' (relatively) comes before an adjective or another adverb and slightly weakens its meaning. It then means 'ziemlich' (quite) or 'vergleichsweise' (comparatively) and is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Der Film war relativ langweilig.
The film was relatively boring.
Use as an adjective
As an adjective, 'relativ' (relative) expresses that something depends on a point of view. If it comes before a noun, it must be declined like any other adjective.
EXAMPLE
Das ist nur eine relative Sicherheit, keine absolute.
That is only relative security, not absolute security.
Compare with
relativ vs recht
right / quite
'recht' and 'relativ' can both soften a statement or express a medium degree. In that case, 'recht gut' is similar to 'relativ gut': it is good, but not necessarily very good. 'recht' often sounds a bit more direct as an intensifier and can also be meant positively. 'relativ' puts more emphasis on comparison: it is that way in relation to something else. That is why 'relativ' fits especially well when you are comparing something with an expectation, a group, or a situation. They are easy to confuse because both can stand before adjectives. But 'relativ' can also mean 'not absolute'; 'recht' does not have this meaning.
relativ
Sie findet die Aufgabe relativ leicht, weil sie das Thema schon kennt.
She finds the task relatively easy because she already knows the topic.
recht
Zum Üben ist dieser Text recht einfach.
For practice, this text is quite simple.
In real life
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