einzig

adjective
only, unique
B1

einzig: adjective meaning 'only' or 'unique.' It is non-gradable (no comparative or superlative); you normally say 'der einzige' for 'the only.' Often used attributively to mean sole/only; as 'unique' describes singularity. Not a participle; no auxiliary verbs apply. Pay attention to article agreement.

Examples

Das ist das einzig mögliche Datum für das Treffen.
That's the only possible date for the meeting.
Sie hat ein einzigartiges Talent; sie ist wirklich einzigartig.
She has a one-of-a-kind talent; she really is unique.
Der Sänger war die einzige Person, die an diesem Abend auftrat, obwohl viele Künstler abgesagt hatten.
The singer was the only person who performed that evening, although many artists had canceled.

Details

GradableNo
ParticipleNo

Mnemonics

👁️Imagine a single shining diamond on a pedestal labeled 'the only one'.
👂sounds like English 'Einzig' ~ 'one-zig' — think of 'one' to remember 'only'.

Notes

Einzig is typically absolute (not usually used in comparative forms). It often appears before nouns (einziges Problem) and can carry emphasis.

Category

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