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Describes that a person does something alone, without the company or help of others, or that someone is without a steady partner.
Nach der Trennung reist sie jetzt erstmal solo durch Asien.
After the breakup, she's traveling solo through Asia for now.
In music, refers to a performance or passage carried out by a single person, as opposed to an ensemble or orchestra.
Der Gitarrist trat an diesem Abend solo auf, ohne seine Band.
The guitarist performed solo that evening, without his band.
'Solo' is an adjective that is not declined. It always remains unchanged after the noun (predicatively) or is used like an adverb. You cannot put it before a noun and add an ending.
Der Musiker tritt heute Abend solo auf.
The musician is performing solo tonight.
'Solo' was borrowed directly from Italian, where it means 'alone'. Knowing this helps you easily remember the main meaning of the word.
Er hat das Projekt solo fertiggestellt.
He completed the project solo.
In general usage, 'solo' is often connected with activities that can also be done as a couple or in a group. Typical verbs are 'reisen' (to travel), 'leben' (to live), 'wohnen' (to live/reside), or 'unterwegs sein' (to be out and about/on the road).
Viele junge Leute wollen eine Zeit lang solo leben.
Many young people want to live solo for a while.
This meaning is limited to the field of music and performing arts. It describes a performance or recording by just one person, as opposed to a band or an orchestra.
Die Sängerin hat nach Jahren in der Band ein Solo-Album veröffentlicht.
After years in the band, the singer released a solo album.
alone / only
Allein and solo can both express that someone does something without others. Allein is the neutral and generally appropriate choice for this. Solo is more marked and particularly emphasizes that the person is acting without a companion or partner.
Mara fährt diesmal solo in den Urlaub.
Mara is taking a solo vacation this time.
Mara fährt diesmal allein in den Urlaub.
Mara is going on vacation alone this time.
