adjectiveadverb

tatsächlich

indeed · actually

Es zeigt, dass etwas wirklich so ist und nicht nur gedacht oder vermutet wird.

Definition & meaning

The word tatsächlich is an adverb and adjective used to describe something that corresponds to the facts or reality. It is used to confirm that something is true, real, or that it has actually happened.

As an adverb: It expresses that something is indeed the case or contrary to an expectation, it is true ("really," "actually," "in fact").
- Example: "Es hat tatsächlich geregnet." (It actually rained.)
As an adjective: It describes something as being authentic, genuine, or factual rather than imagined or simulated ("real," "actual," "true").
- Example: "Die tatsächlichen Kosten waren höher." (The actual costs were higher.)

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: As an adjective, it is declined based on the noun it modifies (e.g., der tatsächliche Grund, die tatsächliche Situation). As an adverb, it remains undeclined.
Word origin: The word is a compound noun construction derived from Tatsache (fact).
- Tat (deed/act) + Sache (thing/matter) = Tatsache (fact).
- The suffix -lich is added to transform the noun into an adjective/adverb meaning "having the quality of a fact."