German word

einzig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯nt͡sɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveonly

Example

Das ist mein einziges Problem.

That is my only problem.

Illustration for einzig (only)

More examples

Ich habe nur eine einzige Frage.

I have only one question.

Core concept

One item stands alone as the sole member or relevant choice in a situation.

Common phrases

  • eine einzige Frage

    a single question

  • das einzige Ziel

    the only goal

Similar words

allein: By oneself, without other people present.
einzeln: Considered separately as one item among several.
einzigartig: Remarkably different from anything else of its kind.

Definition in German

Auf nur eine Person oder Sache beschränkt; nichts anderes vorhanden oder relevant.

Word origin

German einzig derives from ein, meaning 'one', with the adjective-forming suffix -ig, and originally meant 'being one alone'.

Usage tips

  • Before a noun, einzig takes normal adjective endings, as in das einzige Problem and mit dem einzigen Problem.

Other meanings

  • uniqueadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • einzigartiguniqueadjective
  • Einzigartigkeituniquenessnoun

Word lists with this word