German word

alternativ

Pronunciation

IPA/altɛʁnaˈtiːf/

Meaning

  • adjectivealternative

Example

Wir brauchen eine alternative Lösung.

We need an alternative solution.

Illustration for alternativ (alternative)

More examples

Ich kam mit einem alternativen Vorschlag zum Treffen.

I came to the meeting with an alternative proposal.

Core concept

A second route stands ready when the usual route is not used.

Common phrases

  • mit einem alternativen Vorschlag

    with an alternative proposal

  • als alternative Maßnahme

    as an alternative measure

Similar words

austauschbar: Able to be exchanged for another item that serves the same purpose.
ersetzbar: Able to be replaced by another thing or person.
anders: Not the same as the current situation, state, or arrangement.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet etwas, das statt des Bestehenden genommen werden kann; eine andere Möglichkeit.

Word origin

German alternativ comes from Latin alternativus, based on alternare 'to alternate' and ultimately alter 'the other'.

Usage tips

  • With the meaning 'as an alternative', alternativ commonly takes zu plus the dative, as in 'alternativ zu einer Lösung'.

Other meanings

  • differentadjective
  • alternativelyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Alternativealternativenoun
  • alternativloshaving no alternativeadjective

Word lists with this word