sprachlich
linguistic
Relates to language or speaking in general.
EXAMPLE
Der Text enthält einige sprachliche Fehler, die korrigiert werden müssen.
The text contains some linguistic errors that need to be corrected.
sprachlich
linguistic
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Meanings
sprachlich
verbally expressive
Relates to the way something is expressed; concerning style or expressive ability.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist sprachlich sehr gewandt und kann komplexe Sachverhalte einfach erklären.
She is very verbally expressive and can explain complex issues simply.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'sprachlich' (linguistic) is derived from the noun 'die Sprache' (language). The ending '-lich' is often used to form adjectives from nouns that describe belonging or a characteristic.
EXAMPLE
Sprachliche Fähigkeiten sind im Berufsleben sehr wichtig.
Linguistic skills are very important in professional life.
Use as an adverb
'Sprachlich' (linguistic / verbally) is often used like an adverb to describe another adjective or a verb more precisely. It then answers the question 'How?' or 'In what respect?'.
EXAMPLE
Er ist sprachlich sehr talentiert.
He is very linguistically talented.
Typical collocations
In the general meaning, 'sprachlich' (linguistic) is often combined with nouns that concern aspects of the language system. Typical examples are 'sprachliche Fehler' (linguistic errors), 'sprachliche Barrieren' (language barriers), or 'sprachliche Vielfalt' (linguistic diversity).
EXAMPLE
In einer globalisierten Welt sind sprachliche Barrieren ein großes Thema.
In a globalized world, language barriers are a major issue.
Describing abilities
When it is about expressive ability, 'sprachlich' (verbally / in terms of language) is often combined with adjectives or verbs that describe a personal competence. Common phrases are 'sprachlich gewandt sein' (to be verbally expressive), 'sprachlich begabt sein' (to be linguistically gifted), or 'sich sprachlich gut ausdrücken' (to express oneself well verbally).
EXAMPLE
Die Moderatorin konnte sich sprachlich sehr präzise ausdrücken.
The presenter was able to express herself very precisely verbally.
Compare with
sprachlich vs literarisch
literary
Sprachlich anspruchsvoll evaluates how a text is written, for example its choice of words and sentence structure. Literarisch anspruchsvoll can refer to the same linguistic quality, but additionally places the writing in the context of literary art or elevated prose. Use sprachlich for questions of expression alone; for a literary quality, use literarisch.
sprachlich
Im Sprachkurs untersuchen wir, warum dieselbe Passage sprachlich anspruchsvoll formuliert ist.
In the language course, we examine why the same passage is written in such sophisticated language.
literarisch
Die Rezension lobt die Passage als literarisch anspruchsvolle Prosa.
The review praises the passage as sophisticated literary prose.
In real life
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