literal
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literal
Corresponding exactly to the words, without interpretation or figurative meaning; literally.
Er hat die Anweisung wörtlich genommen und genau das getan, was gesagt wurde.
He took the instruction literally and did exactly what was said.
literally
Used to emphasize that a statement that may sound exaggerated actually corresponds to reality. Often in the phrase 'im wörtlichen Sinne' (in the literal sense).
Nach dem Rohrbruch stand unser Keller im wörtlichen Sinne unter Wasser.
After the pipe burst, our basement was literally under water.
The adjective 'wörtlich' (literal) is derived directly from the noun 'das Wort' (the word). The ending '-lich' turns it into an adjective meaning 'corresponding to the word.'
Die wörtliche Übersetzung dieses Satzes ergibt keinen Sinn.
The literal translation of this sentence makes no sense.
A very common phrase is 'etwas wörtlich nehmen' (to take something literally). It means understanding a statement exactly according to the words, without recognizing a possible figurative meaning or irony.
Ich habe nur Spaß gemacht, nimm das bitte nicht wörtlich!
I was only joking; please don't take that literally!
The phrase 'im wörtlichen Sinne' (in the literal sense) is often used to emphasize that a statement that sounds like a metaphor is actually real. It strengthens the statement.
Nach dem starken Regen war der Garten im wörtlichen Sinne ein See.
After the heavy rain, the garden was literally a lake.
indeed / actual
Tatsächlich generally confirms that a surprising event really happened. Wörtlich emphasizes that a formulation that may sound figurative or exaggerated is meant exactly as stated. Both can apply at the same time, but only wörtlich explicitly establishes a contrast with the figurative meaning.
Nach dem Rohrbruch stand der Keller wörtlich unter Wasser.
After the pipe burst, the basement was literally under water.
Nach dem Rohrbruch stand der Keller tatsächlich unter Wasser.
After the pipe burst, the basement was indeed under water.
