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derselbe
/ˈdeːɐ̯ˌzɛlbə/
the same
Wir haben dieselbe Meinung.
We have the same opinion.
formal
Used to refer to someone or something previously mentioned or known, emphasizing identity or sameness.
Er hat denselben Fehler gemacht wie ich.
He made the same mistake as I did.
Sie trägt immer dieselbe Jacke.
She always wears the same jacket.
Used with masculine, neuter, or plural nouns. Requires the definite article 'der'/'das'/'die' to agree with the noun's gender and number.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Gender Agreement
Remember that 'derselbe' must agree with the noun it refers to in gender and number. For feminine nouns, use 'dieselbe'; for neuter, 'dasselbe'; for plural, 'dieselben'.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Use 'derselbe' only when referring back to a previously mentioned noun to emphasize identity. Do not use it to introduce new information.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'derselb(e)', from Old High German 'dēr selbo', combining the definite article 'dēr' (the) with 'selbo' (self). Related to English 'self' and 'same'.
Usage Notes
1. Always used with a definite article ('der', 'das', 'die') to agree with the noun's gender and number. 2. In spoken German, 'derselbe' is often contracted to 'derselb' in informal contexts. 3. Avoid repetition in sentences; use 'derselbe' only when emphasizing sameness or identity.
Word Breakdown
der
the (masculine definite article)
articleselbe
same
adjectiveDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch