proverbial / literally
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proverbial
In a way that is so well known that it resembles a proverb; famous or typical for a certain quality.
Seine sprichwörtliche Geduld wurde auf eine harte Probe gestellt.
His proverbial patience was put to a severe test.
literally
Used colloquially to emphasize a statement; in the truest sense of the word, literally.
Nach dem langen Marsch sind wir sprichwörtlich auf dem Zahnfleisch gekrochen.
After the long march, we were literally crawling on our gums.
The adjective 'sprichwörtlich' (proverbial) is derived directly from 'das Sprichwort' (the proverb). It describes a quality that is so well known or typical that it seems to come from a proverb.
Sein sprichwörtlicher Geiz ist in der ganzen Stadt bekannt.
His proverbial stinginess is known throughout the whole town.
How it is used in the sentence helps distinguish the meanings. If 'sprichwörtlich' (proverbial) comes directly before a noun, it usually means a famous quality. If it appears as an adverb with the verb, it emphasizes a statement and means 'buchstäblich' (literally).
Ihre sprichwörtliche Gastfreundschaft ist unglaublich.
Her proverbial hospitality is incredible.
In its first meaning, 'sprichwörtlich' (proverbial) is often combined with well-known character traits. Typical phrases are 'sprichwörtliche Geduld' (proverbial patience), 'sprichwörtliche Ruhe' (proverbial calm), or 'sprichwörtlicher Fleiß' (proverbial diligence).
Selbst in der Hektik bewahrte er seine sprichwörtliche Ruhe.
Even in the hectic rush, he maintained his proverbial calm.
The use of 'sprichwörtlich' in the sense of 'buchstäblich' (literally) is especially common in colloquial speech. It is used to intensify a statement that is often figurative.
Nach der Party sah die Wohnung sprichwörtlich aus wie ein Schlachtfeld.
After the party, the apartment literally looked like a battlefield.
literal
Wörtlich and sprichwörtlich can both occur with a statement that seems especially clear. Wörtlich describes something meant without figurative meaning or as accurately as possible. Sprichwörtlich, by contrast, emphasizes that a quality is very well known or typical. Use wörtlich for the meaning and sprichwörtlich for how well known something is.
Seine sprichwörtliche Geduld hilft ihm auch in schwierigen Gesprächen.
His proverbial patience also helps him in difficult conversations.
Als die Ärztin sagte, ich solle mich schonen, meinte sie das wörtlich.
When the doctor said I should take it easy, she meant it literally.
