Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| eigentlich | /ˈaɪ̯ɡəntlɪç/ /ˈaɪ̯ŋ(k)lɪç/ (often) |
| tatsächlich | /taːtˈzɛçlɪç/ |
| in Wirklichkeit | /ʔɪn ˈvɪʁklɪçˌkaɪ̯t/ (word by word) |
| in Wahrheit | /ɪn ˈvaːɐ̯.haɪ̯t/ |
| wirklich | /ˈvɪʁklɪç/ |
These terms are used to express that something is true in fact, in reality or in truth. Depending on the context, you may be emphasizing a proven fact, the intensity of a situation or a distinction between what was intended and what is happening.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Wirklich is the most common way to express 'really' or 'actually' when emphasizing the truth or intensity of a situation. Tatsächlich is used when you want to emphasize that something is a proven fact or is truly happening, often to express surprise. While eigentlich can mean 'actually', it often carries a nuance of 'originally' or 'in theory'. In Wirklichkeit and in Wahrheit can be used as formal alternatives to emphasize the real essence or factual nature of something.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯ɡəntlɪç/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use eigentlich to mean 'actually' in a way that sounds like they are correcting a previous statement. However, in German, eigentlich often introduces a qualification or a change of plan.
Did you know?
- The German word for 'truth', Wahrheit, shares the same linguistic roots as the English word 'very', both stemming from ancient Germanic words for 'true'.
- Using in Wahrheit can sound unexpectedly dramatic in casual conversation, often implying that a secret or a long-held lie is finally being revealed.
- While wirklich means 'really', repeating it twice in a row (wirklich, wirklich) is a common way to express extreme urgency or sincerity that goes beyond the standard dictionary meaning.
Examples in context
- Magst du das wirklich?Do you actually like this?This sentence is useful for checking the truth of a preference using wirklich.Tatoeba #2065277 by samueldora, translation #1975676 by CK
- Leben Sie wirklich hier?Do you actually live here?This sentence is useful for checking the truth of a living situation using wirklich.Tatoeba #3080637 by faehrmann, translation #1975677 by CK
- Eigentlich hast du recht.Actually, you're not wrong.This sentence is useful for introducing a qualification or a nuance using eigentlich.Tatoeba #12088748 by Yorwba, translation #8540070 by shekitten
- Tatsächlich, das ist eine interessante Idee.Actually, that's an interesting idea.
- Das ist grün. Oh, eigentlich ist es blau.That's green. Oh, actually, it's blue.
- Er war kein Fremder, sondern in Wirklichkeit mein Cousin.He wasn't a stranger, but actually my cousin.
- 378 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for the evening at a café.
- MaximilianWas machst du eigentlich heute Abend?What are you actually doing this evening?
- JuliaIch gehe eigentlich nur nach Hause.I am actually just going home.
- MaximilianEigentlich wollte ich dich fragen, ob du mitkommst.Actually, I wanted to ask if you're coming along.
- JuliaDas klingt eigentlich ganz gut.That actually sounds quite good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “actually” translations and entries eigentlich, tatsächlich, in Wirklichkeit, in Wahrheit, wirklich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (in, Wirklichkeit) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Wahrheit, Wirklichkeit, eigentlich, in, tatsächlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
