doppelt

Doppelt is a German word that functions as an adjective and as an adverb meaning “double” or “twofold.” It is used to indicate that something is twice as much, twice as large, or occurring twice in number. In attributive position it inflects like other adjectives (ein doppelter Preis, zwei doppelte Beiträge). In predicative or adverbial use it frequently appears in constructions such as doppelt so viel or doppelt so teuer, signaling a comparison to a reference amount or level.

Etymology and related forms: The term derives from the Germanic root for “twofold” and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch dubbel and the English word double. The element Doppel- is used to form related nouns and compounds, for example Doppelgänger (a double or lookalike) and Doppelzimmer (double room). In these compounds the first element is capitalized because it functions as a noun within the word.

Usage notes: Doppelt can function as an adverb or as an adjective depending on context. Common expressions include doppelt so groß, doppelt so teuer, and zweimal so viel as a more explicit equivalent. For emphasis or comparison, speakers may use “zweifach” as a near-synonym, though “doppelt” carries a more common, everyday nuance.

Idioms and variants: A well-known saying is “Doppelt gemoppelt hält gar nichts,” used to discourage redundancy. More formal or neutral alternatives for expressing the idea of a twofold quantity or effect are “zweifach” or “zwei Mal so viel.” See also Doppel, Doppelzimmer, Doppelgänger, zweifach.