German word

schlichtweg

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃlɪçtˌvɛk/

Meaning

  • adverbsimply

Example

Das ist schlichtweg falsch.

That is simply wrong.

Illustration for schlichtweg (simply)

More examples

Diese Erklärung ist schlichtweg unangebracht.

This explanation is simply inappropriate.

Core concept

A judgment lands as outright and leaves no room for qualification.

Common phrases

  • schlichtweg falsch

    simply false

  • schlichtweg unmöglich

    simply impossible

  • schlichtweg unangebracht

    simply inappropriate

Similar words

einfach: Expresses something simply in a mild, straightforward way.
völlig: Shows that something is entirely in the stated condition, without exceptions.
absolut: States something as absolutely true, allowing no conditions.
vollkommen: Describes a state as complete and nearly free of flaws or deficiencies.

Definition in German

gänzlich und ohne Ausnahme; dient zur starken Verneinung oder Betonung einer Aussage

Word origin

Schlichtweg combines schlicht, meaning "plain" or "simple," with weg, which contributes an intensifying sense in this adverb.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English "simply," schlichtweg usually intensifies a judgment rather than meaning "merely."

Other meanings

  • completelyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • schlichtsimpleadjective
  • Schlichtheitsimplicitynoun
  • schlichtenmediateverb

Word lists with this word