German word

dasselbe

Pronunciation

IPA/dasˈzɛlbə/

Meaning

  • pronounthe same thing

Example

Wir haben nicht dasselbe gekauft.

We didn't buy the same thing.

Illustration for dasselbe (the same thing)

More examples

Die Diskussion läuft wieder auf dasselbe hinaus.

The discussion once again leads to the same result.

Core concept

Two descriptions converge on one exact referent rather than merely matching in appearance or kind.

Common phrases

  • auf dasselbe hinauslaufen

    lead to the same result

  • dasselbe meinen

    mean the same thing

Similar words

derselbe: Refers to the identical person or thing when a masculine German noun is used.
dieselbe: Refers to the identical person or thing when a feminine German noun is used.
das Gleiche: Indicates matching kind, content, or quality without identifying one exact entity.

Definition in German

Ein Demonstrativpronomen, das gebraucht wird, um auszudrücken, dass es sich um exakt dieselbe Sache, Handlung oder Person handelt.

Word origin

Derselbe and its forms developed from the article plus selb-, whose older Germanic sense is connected with self or identity.

Usage tips

  • Dasselbe usually contrasts with das gleiche: the first identifies one entity, while the second can describe two entities of equal kind or quality.

Opposites

  • etwas anderessomething elsepronoun

Word lists with this word