German word

faktisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfaktɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adverbeffectively

Example

Diese Regel ist faktisch nicht mehr gültig.

This rule is effectively no longer valid.

Illustration for faktisch (effectively)

More examples

Das ist faktisch gleichbedeutend mit einem Widerruf.

This is effectively synonymous with a revocation.

Core concept

A formal label stays in place, but the real situation determines what happens in practice.

Common phrases

  • faktisch gleichbedeutend mit

    effectively synonymous with

  • faktisch abgeschlossen

    effectively complete

Similar words

tatsächlich: Stresses that something is genuinely true or has really happened.
wirklich: Strongly emphasizes that something is genuinely true or real.
eigentlich: Points to the underlying situation or intention behind appearances.
praktisch: Focuses on how something works in actual use rather than in theory or planning.

Definition in German

In der Realität zutreffend; de facto, praktisch so, auch wenn formal anders genannt wird.

Word origin

German faktisch derives from Fakt, ultimately from Latin factum 'deed' or 'fact', with the adjective-forming suffix -isch.

Usage tips

  • Faktisch often means 'in practice' or 'de facto', especially when formal status and actual reality differ; tatsächlich more often stresses that something is really true.

Other meanings

  • actuallyadverb
  • actualadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • die Faktenlagestate of affairsnoun
  • der Faktfactnoun

Word lists with this word