selten
rarely · rare
Etwas kommt nur sehr wenige Male vor oder man sieht es nicht oft.
The German word „selten“ is an adjective and adverb meaning „rare“ or „seldom“. It describes something that occurs infrequently or is uncommon.
It is a standalone word (not compound), so there are no parts to break down further.
Similar words include:
- „rar“ (rare, seldom found)
- „gelegentlich“ (occasional, sometimes)
- „vereinzelnt“ (isolated, sporadic)
Difference:
- „selten“ emphasizes the low frequency of occurrence generally.
- „rar“ often refers to rarity in value or quantity.
- „gelegentlich“ implies something happens occasionally but more than very rarely.
- „vereinzelnt“ focuses on things happening singly or scattered rather than frequently.
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Examples
Mein Onkel ist selten zu Hause.adverb
My uncle is rarely at home.
Das passiert nur selten.adverb
That happens only rarely.
Blumen blühen im Winter sehr selten.adverb
Flowers bloom very rarely in winter.
Leider kommen solche Chancen selten vor.adverb
Unfortunately, such opportunities rarely occur.
Das ist eine seltene Pflanze im Wald.adjective
That is a rare plant in the forest.
Ich habe eine seltene Münze gefunden.adjective
I found a rare coin.
Sie zeigte mir ihre seltenen Briefmarken.adjective
She showed me her rare stamps.
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