German Conversation · Level 9
87 words
German word
wahr
Pronunciation
IPA/vaːɐ̯/
Meaning
- adjectivetrue
Example
Das ist ein wahrer Freund.
This is a true friend.
More examples
Das kann nicht wahr sein.
That cannot be true.
Core concept
A statement or relationship that stands up to reality rather than appearance.
Common phrases
Ist das wahr?
Is that true?
Das ist wahr.
That is true
Das ist nicht wahr.
That is not true
Similar words
wirklich: Existing in reality or happening as described, not merely imagined or supposed.
echt: Genuine and authentic rather than fake, imitation, or merely labeled as such.
richtig: Correct and free from error in judgment, information, or an answer.
Definition in German
Etwas, das wirklich so ist oder die Wahrheit ausdrückt.
Word origin
Wahr comes through Old High German wār and Middle High German wā(r) from an inherited Germanic adjective meaning "true".
Usage tips
- Wahr describes truth or fidelity, while echt usually describes genuine or authentic things, so a wahrer Freund is a true friend, not a genuine object.