adverbadverb

eigentlich

actually

Dieses Wort zeigt an, was in Wahrheit oder in der Regel gilt, auch wenn es manchmal anders wirkt.

Definition & meaning

The word eigentlich is one of the most common German particles and adjectives. It has two primary functions:

As an adverb/adjective (meaning "actual" or "original"): It refers to what is real, true, or fundamental in contrast to what appears to be the case. It can describe the "actual" state of something or the original intention behind an action.
As a modal particle (meaning "by the way" or "actually"): It is used in conversation to soften a question, express surprise, or introduce a shift in topic. In this context, it often serves to check whether something is still true or to introduce a lingering thought.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is derived from the German noun Eigen (meaning "property" or "own"). The suffix -lich turns it into an adjective or adverb. Etymologically, it is related to the word eigen , meaning "own" or "characteristic," suggesting that something is "actually" part of the essence of the subject.

Grammatically, it functions as an adjective when used before a noun (e.g., die eigentliche Ursache - the actual cause) and as an adverb or particle when used to modify a verb or the entire sentence structure.