01
verschieden
different
Not the same or identical; differing in one or more characteristics.
example
Obwohl sie Zwillinge sind, haben sie sehr verschiedene Charaktere.
Although they are twins, they have very different personalities.
verschieden
different / various
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'verschieden' is related to the verb 'scheiden', which means 'to separate'. Things that are 'verschieden' (different) are therefore separate from one another or differ from one another.
EXAMPLE
Unsere Interessen sind so verschieden, dass wir selten etwas zusammen unternehmen.
Our interests are so different that we rarely do anything together.
Context clue
The position in the sentence helps you recognize the meaning. If 'verschieden' comes before a plural noun, it usually means 'several' or 'various'. If it comes after the noun with the verb 'sein' (to be), it means 'different'.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe verschiedene Bücher zu diesem Thema gelesen.
I have read various books on this topic.
Use with 'von'
When you want to say what something differs from, you use the preposition 'von' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Diese Kultur ist sehr verschieden von unserer.
This culture is very different from ours.
Register and style
In the meaning 'verstorben' (deceased), 'verschieden' is a very formal and elevated paraphrase. You mainly find it in written language, for example in obituaries or official speeches.
EXAMPLE
Der Autor ist vor zwei Jahren im Alter von 90 Jahren verschieden.
The author passed away two years ago at the age of 90.
Compare with
verschieden vs ander
other / different
'ander' and 'verschieden' can both show that things are not the same. 'ander-' is often used when you separate a specific thing from a known thing: not this one, but another one. 'verschieden' emphasizes more strongly that several things have differences or that there are several kinds. It often sounds a bit more factual than 'ander'. If you mean just one alternative, 'ander-' often fits. If you are describing differences between several things, 'verschieden' works well.
verschieden
Heute hat mein Kollege verschiedene Brotsorten für das Büro gekauft.
Today my colleague bought various kinds of bread for the office.
ander
Mein Freund sucht eine andere Straße, weil hier gebaut wird.
My friend is looking for another street because there is construction here.
In real life
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