adjectiveadverb

aktuell

current · currently

Etwas, das gerade jetzt passiert oder wichtig ist.

Definition & meaning

Aktuell means current, up-to-date, or topical. It describes something that is relevant or valid at the present time.

It can also mean currently or at present when used adverbially:

Die Information ist aktuell. — The information is up to date.
Aktuell arbeitet sie in Berlin. — She is currently working in Berlin.

It does not usually mean English actual (“real” or “in fact”). The German word for that sense is tatsächlich .

Grammar & Word origin

Aktuell is an adjective and can also be used as an adverb. As an adjective, it takes the usual German endings depending on the noun and sentence: ein aktueller Bericht, die aktuelle Meldung. Its comparative forms are aktueller and am aktuellsten.

The word came into German through French actuel, ultimately from Latin actualis, meaning “relating to action” or “in effect.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms include:

gegenwärtig — “present” or “existing now”; often emphasizes the time period rather than relevance.
derzeitig — “current” or “of the present time”; somewhat more formal.
momentan — “at the moment”; often suggests a temporary situation.
zeitgemäß — “modern” or “in keeping with the times”; focuses more on suitability for the present than on being recently updated.

Possible antonyms include:

veraltet — “outdated” or “obsolete”; no longer current or suitable.
überholt — “superseded” or “out of date”; suggests that something has been replaced by a newer version or idea.