deutlich
clearly · clear · distinct
Etwas ist gut zu erkennen oder zu verstehen, ohne Verwirrung oder Zweifel.
Definition & meaning
The word "deutlich" is an adjective and adverb in German that primarily translates to "clear," "distinct," or "evident." It is used in several contexts:
- Perception: It describes something that can be easily perceived by the senses, such as clear handwriting, a distinct voice, or a visible sign. If someone speaks "deutlich," they articulate well and are easy to understand.
- Cognition and Logic: It refers to something that is easy to understand, plain, or obvious. A "deutliche Antwort" is a clear or unambiguous answer that leaves no room for doubt.
- Intensity and Magnitude: It is frequently used to indicate a significant or marked difference or change. For instance, if prices rise "deutlich," they have risen significantly or noticeably.
- Directness: In social contexts, it can mean being blunt or straightforward. Giving someone a "deutliche Warnung" means providing a very clear and stern warning.
Grammar & Word origin
"Deutlich" functions as an adjective (e.g., eine deutliche Aussprache - a clear pronunciation) and as an adverb (e.g., Er spricht deutlich - He speaks clearly). It can be inflected and compared: deutlich, deutlicher, am deutlichsten.
The word originates from the Middle High German "diutlich" and the Old High German "diutilīh." It is closely related to the verb deuten, which means "to point at" or "to interpret." Historically, it shares the same root as the word "Deutsch" (German), which originally meant "belonging to the people" or "popular." In that sense, "deutlich" originally described something that was made understandable to the common people.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- klar: Used when something is transparent or easy to see and understand.
- verständlich: Used when something is easy to comprehend.
- eindeutig: Used when there is only one possible interpretation; unambiguous.
- erkennbar: Used when something is recognizable or visible.
- offensichtlich: Used for something that is obvious or evident.
- markant: Used for something striking or very noticeable.
Antonyms
- undeutlich: The direct opposite, meaning blurred, faint, or hard to perceive.
- unklar: Used when something is not clear or is confusing.
- vage: Used when information is imprecise or hazy.
- verschwommen: Used when something is visually blurry or lacks sharp boundaries.
- gering: Often used as an antonym in the context of measurement (a slight difference versus a clear difference).
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Examples
Ich kann dich deutlich hören.adverb
I can hear you clearly.
Es ist deutlich zu sehen.adverb
It is clearly visible.
Sie spricht deutlich und verständlich.adverb
She speaks clearly and understandably.
Sie spricht sehr deutlich.adverb
She speaks very clearly.
Seine Anweisungen waren deutlich und klar.adjective
His instructions were clear and distinct.
Ihre Aussprache ist sehr deutlich.adjective
Her pronunciation is very clear.
Deine Aussprache ist sehr deutlich.adjective
Your pronunciation is very clear.
Seine Anweisungen waren sehr deutlich.adjective
His instructions were very clear.
Das kann man ziemlich deutlich verstehen.adverb
You can understand that quite clearly.
Julia spricht jetzt viel deutlicher als vorher.adverb
Julia speaks much more clearly now than before.
Das Bild ist deutlich zu erkennen.adverb
The picture is clearly recognizable.
Sie haben gestern ganz deutlich gesprochen.adverb
They spoke very clearly yesterday.
Der Text war deutlich zu verstehen.adverb
The text was clear to understand.
Der Unterschied zwischen den beiden Bildern ist deutlich sichtbar.Word type unavailable
The difference between the two pictures is clearly visible.
Die Grenze zwischen den Ländern ist deutlich sichtbar.Word type unavailable
The border between the countries is clearly visible.
Die roten Linien sind auf der Karte deutlich sichtbar.Word type unavailable
The red lines are clearly visible on the map.
Das ist ein deutlicher Unterschied zwischen den beiden Antworten.Word type unavailable
That is a clear difference between the two answers.
Die Antwort war deutlich einfacher als erwartet.Word type unavailable
The answer was clearly easier than expected.
Die Lehrerin gab uns eine deutliche Erklärung.Word type unavailable
The teacher gave us a clear explanation.
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