So benutzt du „eigentlich“ richtig – Deutsch B2, C1

Summary

The video script provides an in-depth exploration of the German word 'eigentlich,' examining its various meanings and uses as an adjective, adverb, and particle. It highlights how 'eigentlich' can express truth, contrast, or something unexpected in everyday language, as well as its role in showing intention, irony, or softening questions. The script also explains the word's common use in casual speech, where it sometimes serves as a filler word. Through examples, viewers gain a comprehensive understanding of how 'eigentlich' adds nuance and depth to German conversation.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Eigentlich' is a versatile German word used as an adjective, adverb, and particle, with different meanings depending on the context.
• 😀 As an adjective, 'eigentlich' means 'really' or 'actually,' indicating the true or essential purpose of something.
• 😀 It can describe what something truly is, even when the outward appearance or impression is different. Example: 'She looks young, but actually, she's older than her husband.'
• 😀 'Eigentlich' can also express the core or fundamental nature of something, such as in 'I actually like my job, but the early mornings annoy me.'
• 😀 The word is often used to highlight a contrast between what something appears to be and what it truly is.
• 😀 When used in sentences about plans or intentions, 'eigentlich' emphasizes a change of mind, indicating a contrast between an initial goal and current behavior.
• 😀 'Eigentlich' can add nuance to questions, making them sound softer or more casual. For example: 'What do you actually do for work?'
• 😀 The word can be used in emotional or confrontational questions to intensify the statement, such as 'Are you actually crazy?' or 'Do you actually think I'm lying?'
• 😀 'Eigentlich' is often used as a filler word in everyday German conversation, serving to fill pauses or add emphasis without changing the meaning.
• 😀 Using 'eigentlich' in a sentence can make a statement sound less direct, more tentative, or more reflective of a speaker's uncertainty.

Q & A

What is the main function of the word 'eigentlich' in German?

'Eigentlich' serves as an adjective, adverb, and particle, with various meanings depending on its context. It can mean 'really,' 'actually,' or 'fundamentally,' and is used to express contrasts or contradictions between appearance and reality.

How is 'eigentlich' used as an adjective?

As an adjective, 'eigentlich' is synonymous with words like 'wirklich' (really) or 'tatsächlich' (actually). It refers to the main or real purpose or essence of something, often contrasting what is expected with what is true.

Can you provide an example of 'eigentlich' used as an adjective?

An example is: 'Sie schreibt Artikel für unsere Website, aber ihre eigentliche Aufgabe ist die Kundenbetreuung.' (She writes articles for our website, but her real task is customer service.) Here, 'eigentliche' emphasizes the true or primary role.

How does 'eigentlich' function as an adverb?

As an adverb, 'eigentlich' describes the true nature or essence of something. It often points out the difference between what is expected and what actually is. For instance: 'Alle nennen sie Marie, aber eigentlich heißt sie Marianne.' (Everyone calls her Marie, but actually, her name is Marianne.)

What does 'eigentlich' imply in a sentence like 'Sie sieht sehr jung aus, aber eigentlich ist sie älter als ihr Mann'?

'Eigentlich' highlights a contrast between appearance and reality. The sentence means, 'She looks very young, but actually, she is older than her husband.' The adverb 'eigentlich' signals that her true age differs from the impression given by her appearance.

What does 'eigentlich' convey in terms of plans or intentions?

'Eigentlich' is often used when talking about plans or intentions that have been altered or not fully realized. For example, 'Eigentlich wollte ich diesen Monat kein Geld mehr ausgeben, aber diese Schuhe sind so schön.' (I actually planned not to spend any more money this month, but these shoes are so beautiful.) It expresses a change or contradiction between intention and action.

How does 'eigentlich' change the tone in a question?

When used in questions, 'eigentlich' softens the tone and makes the inquiry sound more casual or interested. For example, 'Was machst du eigentlich beruflich?' (What do you actually do for work?) sounds more like 'I don’t know much about your job, could you tell me more?'

What effect does 'eigentlich' have in emotionally charged or accusatory sentences?

In emotionally charged or accusatory sentences, 'eigentlich' intensifies the criticism or frustration. For example, 'Spinnst du eigentlich?' (Are you out of your mind?) implies a stronger emotional reaction and is more accusatory than simply saying 'Spinnst du?'

What role does 'eigentlich' play as a filler word in conversation?

'Eigentlich' is often used as a filler word in casual conversation, where it doesn't carry a specific meaning but helps the speaker fill pauses or soften statements. For instance, 'Ich würde am Wochenende eigentlich gerne mal ausschlafen, aber...' (I would actually like to sleep in this weekend, but...)

How can 'eigentlich' be used to convey uncertainty in a statement or question?

When 'eigentlich' is used in a statement or question, it often indicates uncertainty or hesitation. For example, 'Eigentlich wollte ich gestern meine Mutter anrufen, aber dann war es schon so spät.' (I actually intended to call my mother yesterday, but then it got so late.) It shows that the speaker’s original plan was not fully carried out.