German word

eigens

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯gn̩s/

Meaning

  • adverbexpressly

Example

Ich habe das eigens für dich gekauft.

I bought that expressly for you.

Illustration for eigens (expressly)

More examples

Er ist eigens gekommen, um zu helfen.

He came expressly to help.

Core concept

A deliberate action is reserved for a named recipient or a clearly defined purpose.

Common phrases

  • eigens bestellt

    expressly ordered

  • eigens für diesen Anlass

    expressly for this occasion

Similar words

speziell: Created or prepared to suit a specific purpose or recipient.
extra: Provided or undertaken beyond what is normally done.

Definition in German

Anzeigt, dass etwas eigens für eine bestimmte Person, ein bestimmtes Ziel oder einen besonderen Anlass gedacht oder getan wurde.

Word origin

The adverb eigens is formed from eigen with an adverbial -s ending, preserving the idea of something belonging particularly to one person or purpose.

Usage tips

  • Eigens is indeclinable, while a following für phrase takes the accusative, as in 'eigens für dich' or 'eigens für diesen Anlass'.

Other meanings

  • speciallyadverb
  • particularlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word