Authentische

Authentische is the attributive form of the German adjective authentisch, meaning genuine, real, or credible. It describes something that corresponds to its claimed origin or nature and is not counterfeit. In usage, authentic can refer to objects, experiences, performances, or representations that convey a sense of genuineness, tradition, or accuracy.

Morphology: The form authentische appears most often before feminine singular nouns in the nominative or accusative case (eine authentische Geschichte; die authentische Person) and, without a definite determiner, also as the standard plural form before plural nouns (authentische Geschichten). The exact endings of adjectives in German depend on gender, number, case, and the determiner used.

Etymology and related terms: The adjective authentic/kind of authenticity derives from Latin authenticus and Greek authentikos, passing into German via Latin or French. The corresponding noun is Authentizität, meaning authenticity or genuineness, while synonyms include echt, glaubwürdig, and zuverlässig, each with subtle nuance.

Usage: In culture, media, and marketing, authentisch is commonly used to describe art, cuisine, or personalities that are presented as faithful to an original or local character. Critics warn that overuse of authentisch without specifics can veer into vague marketing language.

Examples: eine authentische Geschichte; authentische regionale Küche; eine authentische Performance.

See also: Authenticity, authentic, Authentizität.