literal in German

literal in German is wörtlich, buchstäblich — literal means taking the words of something in their basic, ordinary sense, without metaphor or exaggeration.

literal in German

wörtlich

adj

Exactly as stated; read or understood without interpretation; according to the letter; not figurative or metaphorical; following the letter or exact words; not taking liberties; etymonic rather than idiomatic.

buchstäblich

adj

What does "literal" mean?

adjective Taking the words of something in their basic, ordinary sense, without metaphor or exaggeration.
"He took my remark about eating a horse in the literal sense."
adjective Actually true, and not just a figure of speech.
"It was a literal race against time — the ferry left in nine minutes."
adjective Of a translation: following the wording of the original closely rather than conveying its overall sense.
"A literal translation of the proverb makes no sense in English."

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

literal in a sentence

He took my remark about eating a horse in the literal sense.
The literal meaning of "break the ice" has nothing to do with conversation.
It was a literal race against time — the ferry left in nine minutes.
A literal translation of the proverb makes no sense in English.

Similar words in German

actual exact genuine plain real strict verbatim word-for-word

Common German translations

the of to AND A in I that for you IT on

Frequently asked questions

What is "literal" in German?

"literal" in German is wörtlich, buchstäblich. literal means: Taking the words of something in their basic, ordinary sense, without metaphor or exaggeration.

How do you use "literal" in a sentence?

Example: "He took my remark about eating a horse in the literal sense." In German, "literal" is wörtlich, buchstäblich.

Are there other ways to say "literal" in German?

Yes — German has 2 translations listed for "literal": wörtlich, buchstäblich.

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