identisches

Identisches is the neuter singular form of the German adjective identisch. It denotes exact sameness between two objects or data sets and is used before neuter nouns. Common examples include ein identisches Exemplar, identisches Material, and das identische Exemplar. In sentences without a definite article, the attributive form is identisches (as in identisches Material). The term conveys precise identity rather than mere similarity.

In usage, identisch often stresses exact equivalence in properties, origin, or appearance. It is common in scientific, technical, and comparative contexts where duplication, replication, or exact copying is important. It is stronger than merely "similar" and is typically contrasted with terms such as gleich (theoretically equal) and ähnlich (similar).

In formal writing, the concept of identity related to identisch intersects with philosophical and mathematical notions of sameness or equality. While identisch describes linguistic agreement with a noun, the broader idea of identity concerns the relation by which an object is the same as itself across contexts, or indistinguishable from another expression referring to the same object.

Etymology: identisch derives from identitas and ultimately from Latin identicus, through French identique, related to the concept of identity and sameness. Related terms include Identität (identity) and Gleichheit (equality).