supposed / alleged
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supposed / alleged
Describes something that is assumed or suspected but later turns out to be false or different. Synonymous with 'angeblich' (alleged / supposedly).
Der vermeintliche Experte hatte in Wahrheit keine Ahnung von dem Thema.
The supposed expert actually had no idea about the topic.
The word is derived from the verb 'meinen' (in the sense of 'to believe', 'to suppose'). It describes something that is only mistakenly believed or assumed to be true.
Der vermeintliche Gewinn war nur eine Werbemasche.
The supposed prize was just an advertising gimmick.
'Vermeintlich' (supposed / alleged) always signals a contrast between appearance and reality. The sentence or context usually makes it clear that the assumption was false.
Die vermeintliche Abkürzung stellte sich als großer Umweg heraus.
The supposed shortcut turned out to be a major detour.
'Vermeintlich' (supposed / alleged) is often used in reference to people or their qualities. Typical combinations are 'der vermeintliche Täter' (the alleged perpetrator), 'der vermeintliche Freund' (the supposed friend), or 'die vermeintliche Sicherheit' (the supposed security).
Die Polizei verhaftete den vermeintlichen Dieb, der aber unschuldig war.
The police arrested the alleged thief, but he was innocent.
really
'wirklich' and 'vermeintlich' can both have to do with the question of whether something is true. But the difference is important: 'wirklich' confirms that something is actually the case. 'vermeintlich' describes something that is initially believed to be true, but is probably false or turns out to be different. The words can be confused because both occur in reports about facts. In practical terms: 'wirklich' means real confirmation; 'vermeintlich' means only assumed truth.
Der vermeintliche Fehler war nur eine alte Version der Datei.
The supposed error was just an old version of the file.
Simon hat die Nachricht wirklich an das ganze Team geschickt.
Simon really sent the message to the whole team.