verschieden
/fɛɐ̯ˈʃiːdn̩/
The German word for 'different' is verschieden. Wiktionary also lists unterschiedlich and different.
Meaning: not the same (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| verschieden | /fɛɐ̯ˈʃiːdn̩/ |
| unterschiedlich | /ˈʊntɐˌʃiːtlɪç/ |
| different | [dɪfəˈʁɛnt] (narrow) |
These words are used to describe things that are not the same. Use verschieden when you want to express that a group consists of various or diverse items. Use unterschiedlich when you want to emphasize the specific qualities that make things dissimilar from one another.
What does it mean word for word?
The word unterschiedlich is derived from der Unterschied, which means 'the difference'.
Which one should you use?
While both mean 'different', verschieden often carries the sense of 'various' or 'diverse' when referring to a collection of items. In contrast, unterschiedlich is more commonly used to highlight how things are dissimilar from one another.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛɐ̯ˈʃiːdn̩/
Did you know?
- The word verschieden shares its roots with the German verb verscheiden, which means 'to depart' or 'to pass away'.
- The word different exists in German but is rarely used in everyday speech. It is primarily found in specialized technical, mathematical or musicological contexts to describe specific types of divergence.
- To say 'it is all the same' or 'it does not make a difference', Germans use the phrase es ist gleich, using the word for 'equal' instead of a word for 'different'.
Examples in context
- Sie waren so verschieden.They were so different.This sentence shows how to describe people being different using verschieden.Tatoeba #944291 by Sudajaengi, translation #802160 by Source_VOA
- Wir waren zu verschieden.We were too different.This sentence demonstrates the use of verschieden to express being too different.Tatoeba #2660827 by al_ex_an_der, translation #9516749 by sundown
- Wir sind alle verschieden.We're all different.This sentence illustrates how to say everyone is different using verschieden.Tatoeba #5245053 by Sudajaengi, translation #2240827 by CK
- Die beiden Fahrzeuge sind andersThe two vehicles are different
- Diese Bücher haben verschiedene CoverThese books have different covers
- Seine Meinung zu diesem Thema ist völlig abweichendHis opinion on this matter is completely divergent
- Jeder hat unterschiedliche VorliebenEveryone has different preferences
- Meine Uhr ist anders als deineMy watch is different from yours
- Unsere Ansichten über Politik sind sehr verschiedenOur political views are very different
- Seine Vorlieben für Musik sind ziemlich unterschiedlichHis music preferences are quite varied
- 217 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are looking at their project plans.
- SarahUnsere Pläne sind verschieden.Our plans are different.
- FelixJa, das stimmt, Sarah.Yes, that is true, Sarah.
- SarahMöchtest du deinen Plan ändern?Do you want to change your plan?
- FelixNein, ich bleibe bei meinem.No, I am sticking with mine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “different” translations and entries verschieden, unterschiedlich, different, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries different, unterschiedlich, verschieden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
