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.
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.
really
'wirklich' and 'wörtlich' can both emphasize that something is not just being said, but is meant seriously or actually happened. But the difference is important: 'wirklich' confirms a statement in a general way. 'wörtlich' refers to the exact words, or to something being meant in its actual sense and not figuratively. They can be confused when a statement sounds exaggerated. Then the question is: do you just want to say 'Das stimmt wirklich' (That is really true), or do you want to say 'That is meant exactly like that, word for word'? For normal confirmation, 'wirklich' fits; for exact wording or the actual sense, 'wörtlich' fits.
Bitte schreibe den Satz wörtlich aus dem Brief ab.
Please copy the sentence from the letter word for word.
Du hast bei dem schlechten Wetter wirklich den ganzen Weg zu Fuß gemacht.
You really walked the whole way in that bad weather.