eigentlich
actually, in fact · really, anyway
Eigentlich means 'actually' or 'really' and is used to express that something is true in principle, but often with a contrast to reality or to soften a statement. It is also used in questions to express curiosity or to ask about something the speaker has been wondering about.
What eigentlich means
- actually, in fact — to state what is really true, often in contrast to what was said or assumed
- really, anyway — in questions to express curiosity or to ask about something the speaker has been wondering about
Heard in real German videos
Lines where eigentlich was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Wo gehst du eigentlich hin?Where are you going, anyway?
- So meinte ich das eigentlich nicht.That's not really what I meant.
- Das ist eigentlich ganz leicht.This is actually quite easy.
Example sentences
- Eigentlich wollte ich heute lernen, aber ich war zu müde.Actually, I wanted to study today, but I was too tired.
- Wo wohnst du eigentlich?Where do you live, anyway?
- Das ist eigentlich ganz einfach.That's actually quite easy.
- Eigentlich habe ich keine Zeit, aber ich helfe dir.Actually, I don't have time, but I'll help you.
Common phrases
- eigentlich nichtnot really
- eigentlich schonactually yes
- Was willst du eigentlich?What do you actually want?
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often overuse 'eigentlich' as a direct translation of 'actually' in every context, but in German it is often used to soften statements or express a contrast, and using it too much can sound hesitant or imprecise.
Don’t confuse it with
- tatsächlich — Tatsächlich means 'actually' in the sense of 'in fact' or 'really' and is stronger, often used to confirm or contradict, while 'eigentlich' often implies a contrast or is used to soften.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'eigentlich' and 'wirklich'?
'Eigentlich' often implies a contrast or is used to soften a statement, while 'wirklich' means 'really' and is used to emphasize truth or reality.
Can 'eigentlich' be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, 'eigentlich' can start a sentence to emphasize a contrast or to express a reservation, e.g., 'Eigentlich wollte ich kommen.'
Is 'eigentlich' used in formal German?
Yes, 'eigentlich' is used in both formal and informal German, but it is very common in spoken language.