virtual
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virtual
Not physically real, but artificially created or simulated through computer technology. Often refers to worlds, objects, or interactions on the internet or in software.
Wegen der Entfernung fand das Meeting in einem virtuellen Raum statt.
Because of the distance, the meeting took place in a virtual room.
Unlike the English 'virtual', which can also mean 'practical' or 'almost', 'virtuell' in German refers almost exclusively to computer-generated realities. For the meaning 'almost' or 'nearly', German uses words like 'quasi' (virtually / basically) or 'so gut wie' (as good as / practically).
Er ist quasi der Chef der Abteilung.
He is basically the head of the department.
The most common use relates to technology. Typical combinations are 'virtuelle Realität' (virtual reality, VR), 'eine virtuelle Welt' (a virtual world), 'ein virtuelles Meeting' (a virtual meeting), or 'ein virtueller Rundgang' (a virtual tour).
Viele Museen bieten mittlerweile virtuelle Rundgänge an.
Many museums now offer virtual tours.
'Virtuell' (virtually) can also be used as an adverb and then describes how an action is carried out: over the internet or by computer.
Wir haben uns nur virtuell getroffen, aber nie persönlich.
We only met virtually, but never in person.
The meaning 'existing in essence' is very technical. It is mainly used in physics, e.g. 'virtuelle Teilchen' (virtual particles), or in philosophy.
Die Theorie beschreibt die Existenz von virtuellen Photonen.
The theory describes the existence of virtual photons.
really
'wirklich' and 'virtuell' can form an opposite pair when talking about reality. 'wirklich' means that something really exists or is genuinely experienced. 'virtuell' often means that something is created on a computer or on the internet and is not physically present. For example, you can have a real meeting in a room or a virtual meeting by video. In some contexts, 'virtuell' also means only possible or not actually present. For real, tangible reality, 'wirklich' fits; for digital or merely possible forms, 'virtuell' fits.
Morgen findet das Meeting virtuell statt, weil viele Kollegen zu Hause arbeiten.
Tomorrow the meeting will take place virtually because many colleagues are working from home.
Die Lehrerin zeigt den Schülern ein wirkliches Modell aus Holz.
The teacher shows the students a real model made of wood.