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adjectiveadverb

einzig

only

Etwas gibt es nur einmal und kein anderes ist so wie dieses.

Definition & meaning

The word einzig acts as an adjective or adverb in German. It carries two primary nuances:

  1. Unique or sole: Referring to something that is the only one of its kind or the only individual in a group. It expresses singularity.
  2. Exceptional or incomparable: Used to describe something so special or remarkable that nothing else compares to it.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • Adjective: As an adjective, it is declined according to the noun it modifies (e.g., der einzige Grund).
  • Usage note: It is technically a superlative form (from ein), meaning it describes a state that cannot be intensified. However, in colloquial speech, you may occasionally hear einzigartig used to express the "special" meaning to avoid logical redundancy.

Word origin: It is derived from the German word ein (one). The suffix -ig is a common German adjective-forming suffix. Historically, it stems from the Middle High German einzec.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • einzigartig (unique/one-of-a-kind)
  • alleinig (sole/exclusive)
  • einmalig (singular/one-time)
  • exklusiv (exclusive)
  • unvergleichlich (incomparable)

Antonyms:

  • gewöhnlich (ordinary/common)
  • alltäglich (everyday/mundane)
  • vielfach (manifold/multiple)

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Examples

Einzig diese Idee überzeugt viele Menschen.adverb

Only this idea convinces many people.

Einzig diese Idee überzeugt die Gruppe wirklich.adverb

Only this idea truly convinces the group.

Er trifft die einzig richtige Entscheidung.adjective

He makes the only right decision.

Einzig er kennt den Weg.adverb

Only he knows the way.

Sie war das einzige Kind in der Familie.adjective

She was the only child in the family.

Sie hat das einzige Buch gelesen, das ich noch nicht kannte.adjective

She read the only book that I didn’t know yet.

Im Dorf gibt es nur eine einzige Schule.adjective

There is only one school in the village.

Das ist nicht die einzige Möglichkeit.adjective

That is not the only possibility.

Wir fanden die einzig offene Tür im dunklen Gebäude.adverb

We found the only open door in the dark building.

Er war der einzig mutige Schüler, der die Frage beantwortet hat.adjective

He was the only brave student who answered the question.

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