an sich
Translation
in itself, per se, as such, actually
Examples
Die Idee ist an sich gut.
The idea in itself is good.
An sich mag ich keine Schokolade.
Actually, I don't like chocolate.
Grammar Patterns
an sich ... in itself ... The idea is good in itself.
Similar Words
im Grunde (basically), per se, grundsätzlich (fundamentally)
Etymology
Comes from 'an' (on, at) and 'sich' (itself, oneself). It literally translates to 'on itself'.
Memory Tips
Remember it as looking at something 'on its own' or 'in principle', separate from other factors. 'An sich' = 'in itself'.