German Conversation · Level 50
75 words
German word
ursprünglich
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈuːɐ̯ʃprʏŋlɪç/
Meaning
- adverboriginally
Example
Ich wollte ursprünglich Arzt werden.
I originally wanted to become a doctor.
More examples
Das Projekt war ursprünglich geplant.
The project was originally planned.
Core concept
A starting blueprint or built-in character before later changes.
Common phrases
ursprünglich geplant
originally planned
ursprünglich gedacht
originally conceived
Similar words
eigentlich: Describing the actual situation rather than its outward appearance.
anfangs: At an early point in a process, period, or situation.
zuerst: At the earliest point in a sequence or series of events.
zunächst: As the immediate first priority, pending what comes next.
Definition in German
Von Anfang an bestehende Absicht oder einen ursprünglichen Zustand bezeichnet.
Word origin
Ursprünglich combines Ursprung ('origin') with the adjective-forming suffix -lich and is used adverbially in the same form.
Usage tips
- Ursprünglich often introduces a contrast between an earlier plan and what happened later.