How to Say “True” in German

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wahr
/vaːr/
In German, the English word "true" is translated as wahr. Wiktionary also lists echt and richtig.
Meaning: concurring with a given set of facts (adj)

Ways to say it

“true” in German
German IPA
wahr /vaːr/
echt /ɛçt/
richtig /ˈʁɪçtɪç/ (standard)
/ˈʁɪçtɪk/ (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland)
zutreffend
wahrheitsgemäß /ˈvaːɐ̯haɪ̯t͡sɡəˌmɛːs/
/-ɡəˌmeːs/
wahrhaftig /vaːɐ̯ˈhaftɪç/
/vaːɐ̯ˈhaftɪk/
korrekt /kɔˈʁɛkt/
/ko-/

The German language uses several different words for "true" depending on whether you are discussing factual truth, authenticity, correctness or the applicability of a description.

Which one should you use?

While wahr refers to the truthfulness of a statement, richtig is used to mean "correct" in the sense of being right or accurate (e.g., a correct answer). If you mean "true" in the sense of being "genuine" or "authentic" (e.g., real gold), use echt. If you want to say that a specific description or characteristic applies to a person or thing, use zutreffend. Finally, korrekt is used for things that follow rules or standards (like behavior or mathematical steps), rather than the abstract concept of truth.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

For formal, legal or official contexts where you need to say something is "truthful" or "in accordance with the facts", use wahrheitsgemäß.

Related words

Accurately (adv): genau, reinrassig, akkurat.

State of being in alignment (noun): Ausrichtung, Zentrierung, Justierung.

How do you pronounce it?

/vaːr/

Did you know?

  • The word echt originally meant 'lawful' or 'legitimate' rather than just 'genuine'. It stems from a root meaning 'law', which is the same root found in the German word for marriage, Ehe.
  • In many German dialects, the word echt is used as an intensifier meaning 'really' or 'very', much like the English way of saying 'really great'.
  • In German, if you call a person wahrhaftig, you are not just saying they tell the truth, but that they possess a deep, sincere, and soulful character.

Examples in context

  • Es ist so wahr.
    It's so true.
    This sentence is useful for emphasizing how true something is using wahr.
    Tatoeba #10248115 by wolfgangth, translation #5362793 by Hybrid
  • Ist es also wahr?
    Is it really true?
    This sentence is a question used to verify if something is wahr.
    Tatoeba #1301109 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1304608 by candistyx
  • Das ist auch wahr.
    That's true as well.
    This sentence is used to add that another statement is also wahr.
    Tatoeba #816157 by Esperantostern, translation #776421 by CM
  • Es ist wahr
    It is true
  • Die Geschichte hat einen wahren Kern
    The story has a true core
  • Das ist richtig
    That is true
  • Die Behauptungen des Zeugen sind richtig
    The witness's claims are true
  • Stimmt es, dass du morgen kommst?
    Is it true that you're coming tomorrow?
  • Das ist echt wahr!
    That is true/real!
  • Ich habe es echt gesehen!
    I really saw it!
  • Es ist wirklich wahr, dass ich den Job bekommen habe.
    It's really true that I got the job.
  • Das ist richtig interessant!
    That is truly interesting!
  • Jo, stimmt, das habe ich vergessen!
    Yeah, right, I forgot about that!
  • Echt jetzt? Du hast das gewonnen?
    Seriously? You won that?
  • 746 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Laura and Maximilian are discussing a news report at home.

  1. Laura

    Ist die Geschichte wirklich wahr?
    Is the story actually true?
  2. Maximilian

    Ja, sie ist wahr.
    Yes, it is true.
  3. Laura

    Das ist unglaublich.
    That is unbelievable.
  4. Maximilian

    Leider ist es wahr.
    Unfortunately, it is true.

Sources

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Johnnie Craig
Johnnie CraigHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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