Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| echt | /ɛçt/ |
| wirklich | /ˈvɪʁklɪç/ |
echt is used to describe things that are genuine and not artificial, counterfeit or fake. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'really' or 'truly' to intensify adjectives. Additionally, you can use echt as an interjection to express surprise or disbelief, similar to saying 'Really?' in English.
Which one should you use?
Use echt when referring to the authenticity or material composition of an object, such as real gold or real leather. In contrast, use wirklich when you mean 'really' or 'actually' to emphasize a fact or express disbelief, rather than to describe the physical authenticity of an object.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In colloquial German, echt is frequently used as an adverb meaning 'really' to intensify adjectives, similar to 'real' in English slang. For a more formal way to express 'real', you can use authentisch.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain dialects, especially in Southern Germany and Austria, wirkli is used instead of wirklich.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛçt/
Did you know?
- The word echt is a distant relative of the German word for 'marriage', which is Ehe.
- The word wirklich comes from the verb wirken, which means 'to work' or 'to have an effect'.
- To describe a person as echt in a social context often implies they are 'authentic' or 'unpretentious' rather than just existing physically.
Examples in context
- Tom ist echt süß.Tom is real cute.This example shows how to use echt to intensify an adjective.Tatoeba #3040169 by pne, translation #6947278 by CK
- Ist das Bild echt?Is that picture real?This example shows how to ask if an object is echt.Tatoeba #11485887 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8113261 by Hybrid
- Das war nicht echt.That wasn't real.This example shows how to state that something was not echt.Tatoeba #5244390 by christian42, translation #2250998 by CK
- Der Historiker untersucht authentische Dokumente.The historian examines authentic documents.
- Die Kunstgalerie präsentiert eine beeindruckende Sammlung authentischer Werke.The art gallery presents an impressive collection of authentic works.
- Sie hat wirkliches Talent für Musik.She has real talent for music.
- Das ist echt krass!That's really cool!
- Er ist ein echter Profi.He's a real pro.
- Das ist wirklich der Hammer!That's really awesome!
- Des is wirkli schee!That's really beautiful!
- Des Bier is wirkli guad!This beer is really good!
- 276 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are looking at a souvenir in a shop.
- HannahIst diese Perle echt?Is this pearl real?
- FelixJa, sie ist echt.Yes, it is real.
- HannahSie sieht sehr schön aus.It looks very beautiful.
- FelixDas ist ein tolles Geschenk für dich.That is a great gift for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “real” translations and entries echt, wirklich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries echt, wirklich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
