der Wortlaut
wording
The exact, unchanged wording of a text, statement, or law.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir bitte den genauen Wortlaut des Vertragszitats vorlesen?
Could you please read me the exact wording of the contract quotation?
der Wortlaut
wording
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Wortlaut' consists of 'Wort' (word) and 'Laut' (sound). So it describes the “sound of the words” and refers to the exact, letter-for-letter wording.
EXAMPLE
Der Anwalt prüfte den genauen Wortlaut des Dokuments.
The lawyer checked the exact wording of the document.
Register and style
This word is mainly used in formal, official, or legal contexts when the precise wording matters. It is rather rare in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Im Gesetz ist der genaue Wortlaut entscheidend.
In the law, the exact wording is decisive.
Typical collocations
'Wortlaut' (wording) is often combined with the adjective 'genau' (exact) or 'wörtlich' (literal). A fixed expression is 'laut Wortlaut', which means “according to the exact wording.”
EXAMPLE
Laut Wortlaut des Vertrags müssen wir die Kosten übernehmen.
According to the wording of the contract, we have to cover the costs.
Compare with
Wortlaut vs Formulierung
formulation
“Die Formulierung” and “der Wortlaut” can both refer to the linguistic form of a statement. “Der Wortlaut” requires the exact, unchanged sequence of words, whereas “die Formulierung” also refers to the way a statement has been shaped. “Wortlaut” fits a verbatim quotation, while “Formulierung” fits a stylistic assessment.
Wortlaut
Bitte übernehmen Sie den Wortlaut der Einladung unverändert.
Please use the exact wording of the invitation unchanged.
Formulierung
Die Formulierung der Einladung klingt freundlich und persönlich.
The wording of the invitation sounds friendly and personal.
In real life
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