true / truly
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truly
Expresses that something applies fully or in the actual sense of the word. It is used for emphasis and means roughly 'wirklich' (really) or 'echt' (genuine).
Das war ein wahrhaft königliches Festmahl.
That was a truly royal feast.
The word consists of the adjective 'wahr' (true) and the ending '-haft' (-like, -ful). It strengthens the meaning of 'wahr' and means roughly 'true in every respect' or 'to the highest degree'.
Sie ist eine wahrhafte Meisterin auf dem Klavier.
She is a true master at the piano.
'Wahrhaft' belongs to elevated language and is often used in formal, literary, or ceremonial contexts. It gives a statement more weight and expressiveness.
Die Aussicht vom Gipfel war ein wahrhaft erhebender Anblick.
The view from the summit was a truly uplifting sight.
'Wahrhaft' is especially often used as an adverb to intensify another adjective or a verb. It then stands directly before the word it emphasizes.
Sein Engagement für das Projekt war wahrhaft bewundernswert.
His commitment to the project was truly admirable.
really
'wirklich' and 'wahrhaft' can both strongly confirm or emphasize something. 'wirklich' is very common and fits in normal conversations when you want to say that something is real, actually the case, or meant seriously. 'wahrhaft' has a similar intensifying effect, but it sounds more elevated and solemn. It is used more in special statements, not in every everyday sentence. If you want to speak naturally and simply, 'wirklich' is usually the better choice. 'wahrhaft' fits when something is meant to sound especially great, serious, or impressive.
Nach der Rettung im Sturm nannten viele Menschen ihn einen wahrhaft mutigen Mann.
After the rescue in the storm, many people called him a truly brave man.
Der Film war wirklich spannend, obwohl er sehr lang war.
The movie was really exciting, even though it was very long.