echt
real, genuine, authentic · really, truly · really? for real?
Echt means 'real' or 'genuine' when describing things, and is also used as an intensifier meaning 'really' or 'truly' in informal speech. It can express surprise or confirmation as a standalone word.
What echt means
- real, genuine, authentic — When describing objects, people, or situations that are not fake or artificial.
- really, truly — As an adverb to intensify adjectives or verbs, especially in spoken German.
- really? for real? — As an interjection to express surprise or disbelief.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where echt was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Das Essen hier ist echt, Peppa.The food here is real, Peppa.
- Oh, ja, echt toll.Oh, yeah, really great.
- Mn, können wir echte Münzen haben?Hm, can we have real coins?
Example sentences
- Das ist ein echter Diamant.That is a real diamond.
- Das Essen war echt lecker.The food was really delicious.
- Echt? Das wusste ich nicht.Really? I didn't know that.
Grammar
| Comparative | echter |
|---|---|
| Superlative | am echtesten |
When used as an adverb meaning 'really', it does not change form.
Common phrases
- echt gutreally good
- echt wahrreally true
- echt jetzt?seriously? for real?
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often confuse 'echt' with 'wirklich'. While both can mean 'really', 'echt' emphasizes genuineness or authenticity, whereas 'wirklich' emphasizes actuality or factuality. Use 'echt' when you mean 'genuine' or 'authentic', and 'wirklich' when you mean 'actually' or 'truly'.
Don’t confuse it with
- wirklich — Wirklich means 'really' in the sense of 'actually' or 'truly', while echt often implies 'genuine' or 'authentic'.
- wahr — Wahr means 'true' as in factual correctness, while echt means 'real' as in not fake.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'echt' and 'wirklich'?
'Echt' means 'real' or 'genuine', often contrasting with fake. 'Wirklich' means 'really' or 'actually', emphasizing that something is true or exists. In many contexts they can be used interchangeably as intensifiers, but 'echt' carries a nuance of authenticity.
Can 'echt' be used as an adverb?
Yes, 'echt' is commonly used as an adverb to mean 'really' or 'truly', especially in informal spoken German. Example: 'Das ist echt cool.' (That is really cool.)
How do you say 'real' in German?
The most common translation is 'echt'. For example, 'real leather' is 'echtes Leder'. 'Real' can also be translated as 'wirklich' in some contexts, but 'echt' is the standard for authenticity.