derselbe

Etymology
.

Pronoun

 * 1) the same
 * 2) selfsame
 * 3) idem

Determiner

 * 1) the same
 * 2) selfsame

Usage notes

 * When preceded by a preposition that contracts with the definite article, the form or  can be written apart: zu derselben Zeit or zur selben Zeit (“at the same time”).
 * derselbe should be used only when one refers to physically the same object, whereas der should be used when referring to an object of the same kind or a duplicate. For example:
 * However, this distinction is sometimes even missed by native speakers in standard usage, let alone colloquial German.
 * However, this distinction is sometimes even missed by native speakers in standard usage, let alone colloquial German.
 * However, this distinction is sometimes even missed by native speakers in standard usage, let alone colloquial German.