ähnlich
similar
Es beschreibt, dass etwas fast so aussieht oder wirkt wie etwas anderes, aber nicht genau gleich ist.
Definition & meaning
The word ähnlich is an adjective used to describe things, people, or situations that share common characteristics, features, or appearances, without being identical.
- Similarity in appearance: When two things look alike (e.g., "Sie sehen sich ähnlich" - They look alike).
- Similarity in nature or quality: When concepts or situations are comparable (e.g., "ein ähnlicher Fall" - a similar case).
- Adverbial use: It can also function as an adverb to describe the manner in which something is done, meaning "in a similar way."
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Adjective: It follows standard German declension rules when used before a noun (e.g., "ein ähnliches Buch").
- Dative usage: A common grammatical feature of this word is that it governs the dative case (e.g., "Er ist seinem Vater ähnlich" - He is similar to his father).
Origin: The word derives from the Old High German analeih, composed of the prefix ana- (on, at) and the suffix -lih (body, appearance, form), which relates to the word Leiche (corpse/body). Historically, it meant "having the same body/form."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Make “ähnlich” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Das neue Haus sieht ähnlich aus wie das alte Haus.adverb
The new house looks similar to the old house.
Dieses Muster sieht dem anderen sehr ähnlich.adjective
This pattern looks very similar to the other one.
Das Bild ist dem Original ähnlich.adjective
The picture is similar to the original.
Dein Vorschlag klingt ähnlich wie meiner.adverb
Your suggestion sounds similar to mine.
Diese Blume sieht einer Rose ähnlich.adjective
This flower looks similar to a rose.
Dein Vorschlag klingt sehr ähnlich.adverb
Your suggestion sounds very similar.
Das Buch ist dem Film ähnlich.adjective
The book is similar to the film.
Ihre Interessen sind ähnlich.adjective
Their interests are similar.
Diese Blume sieht der anderen ähnlich.adjective
This flower looks similar to the other one.
Die Stimmen der beiden Kinder klingen sehr ähnlich.adverb
The voices of the two children sound very similar.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad