Voraussichtlich: German Synonyms & Similar Words

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Braham 49 views

Let's dive into the fascinating world of German synonyms for "voraussichtlich"! If you've ever found yourself searching for just the right word to express anticipation or expectation in German, you're in the right place. We'll explore a variety of alternatives, from the common to the more nuanced, giving you a richer vocabulary and a better understanding of how to use them.

Understanding "Voraussichtlich"

First, let's nail down what "voraussichtlich" really means. It's generally translated as "probably, likely, or expected" in English. It conveys a sense of something that is anticipated to happen, but without absolute certainty. There's an element of prediction involved, based on current knowledge or circumstances. For example, you might say, "Das Konzert findet voraussichtlich im Freien statt" which means "The concert will probably take place outdoors." See? It's not a guarantee, but it's a strong possibility.

When choosing a synonym for "voraussichtlich," it's crucial to consider the specific context. Do you want to emphasize the high probability of something occurring? Or perhaps you need a word that conveys a slightly weaker expectation? Maybe you want to sound more formal or informal? The German language offers a wonderful array of options to express these subtle differences.

For those trying to master German, understanding synonyms is super important. It makes your language skills way better, adds depth to how you talk, and lets you understand different writing styles. Now that we know what "voraussichtlich" means, let's check out some cool synonyms that can make your German sound awesome!

Common Synonyms for "Voraussichtlich"

Okay, let's start with the everyday alternatives you'll hear all the time. These are your go-to options when you want to express "probably, likely, or expected" without getting too fancy.

Wahrscheinlich: This is perhaps the most direct and common synonym for "voraussichtlich." It also translates to "probably" or "likely" and can be used in most situations where "voraussichtlich" would fit. For example: "Das ist wahrscheinlich die beste Lösung." (That is probably the best solution.)
Vermutlich: Similar to "wahrscheinlich," "vermutlich" means "presumably" or "likely." It often implies a degree of assumption based on available information. A good example: "Er kommt vermutlich später." (He will likely come later.)
Erwartungsgemäß: This word translates to "as expected" or "according to expectations." It's useful when something is likely to happen based on prior trends or established patterns. For example: "Erwartungsgemäß hat das Team gewonnen." (As expected, the team won.)

These three amigos – wahrscheinlich, vermutlich, and erwartungsgemäß – are your bread and butter. You'll hear them everywhere, and they'll cover most of your bases when you need a synonym for "voraussichtlich."

More Nuanced Synonyms

Alright, let's level up! These synonyms offer slightly different shades of meaning, allowing you to express more subtle nuances in your German.

Anscheinend: This word means "apparently" or "seemingly." It suggests that something appears to be the case, based on available evidence, but without absolute certainty. Think of it like saying, "It seems that..." For instance: "Anscheinend regnet es." (Apparently, it's raining.)
Möglicherweise: Translating to "possibly" or "maybe," "möglicherweise" indicates a lower degree of probability than "wahrscheinlich" or "vermutlich." It suggests that something could happen, but it's not necessarily the most likely outcome. Example: "Es ist möglicherweise zu spät." (It is possibly too late.)
Voraussagbar: This term means "predictable" or "foreseeable." It's useful when something can be anticipated based on existing knowledge or trends. For instance: "Die Ergebnisse waren voraussagbar." (The results were predictable.)
Denkbar: Meaning "conceivable" or "imaginable," "denkbar" suggests that something is within the realm of possibility, even if it's not highly probable. For example: "Es wäre denkbar, dass er gewinnt." (It would be conceivable that he wins.)

Using these more nuanced synonyms can really add depth and precision to your German. They allow you to express a wider range of possibilities and expectations.

Formal Synonyms

Need to sound extra professional or sophisticated? These formal synonyms for "voraussichtlich" will do the trick.

Aller Voraussicht Nach: This phrase translates to "in all probability" or "most likely." It's a more formal way of expressing a high degree of expectation. Example: "Aller Voraussicht nach wird das Projekt erfolgreich sein." (In all probability, the project will be successful.)
Mutmaßlich: This word means "presumptive" or "supposedly." It suggests that something is assumed to be the case, often based on indirect evidence. For instance: "Der mutmaßliche Täter wurde gefasst." (The alleged perpetrator was caught.)
Erwartbar: Similar to "erwartungsgemäß," but slightly more formal, "erwartbar" means "expectable" or "to be expected." For example: "Die steigenden Preise waren erwartbar." (The rising prices were to be expected.)

These formal synonyms are perfect for business correspondence, academic writing, or any situation where you want to project an air of authority and precision.

Informal Alternatives

Sometimes, you want to keep things casual and conversational. Here are a few informal ways to express the idea of "voraussichtlich."

Wohl: This little word can mean "probably" or "likely" when used as an adverb. It often adds a touch of understatement. For example: "Das wird wohl so sein." (That's probably the case.)
Bestimmt: While "bestimmt" primarily means "certainly" or "definitely," it can also convey a sense of strong probability in certain contexts. For instance: "Er kommt bestimmt." (He's probably coming.)

Keep in mind that these informal alternatives are best used in casual conversation with friends or family. Avoid them in formal settings.

Regional Variations

Just like any language, German has regional variations. Depending on where you are in the German-speaking world, you might encounter different synonyms for "voraussichtlich."

In some parts of Switzerland, you might hear "vermutlich" used more frequently than "wahrscheinlich." However, it really depends on the Swiss region, since they speak different german dialects.
In Austria, you might come across the phrase "es wird sich weisen," which translates to "it remains to be seen" but can sometimes be used to express a similar idea to "voraussichtlich."

It's always a good idea to be aware of regional variations, especially if you're traveling or interacting with people from different German-speaking regions.

Tips for Choosing the Right Synonym

Okay, you've got a whole arsenal of synonyms for "voraussichtlich" now. But how do you choose the right one for the job? Here are a few tips:

Consider the context: Is it a formal or informal situation? Are you writing a business report or chatting with friends? The context will dictate the appropriate level of formality.
Think about the degree of probability: Do you want to express a high degree of certainty, or just a possibility? Choose a synonym that reflects the level of confidence you want to convey.
Pay attention to nuance: Each synonym has its own unique shade of meaning. Consider the subtle differences between the words and choose the one that best captures your intended message.
Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how native German speakers use these synonyms in everyday conversation and writing. This is the best way to get a feel for their nuances and appropriate usage.

Examples in Sentences

Let's put these synonyms into practice! Here are some examples of how you can use them in sentences:

Voraussichtlich: Das Meeting findet voraussichtlich am Dienstag statt. (The meeting will probably take place on Tuesday.)
Wahrscheinlich: Sie wird wahrscheinlich die Prüfung bestehen. (She will probably pass the exam.)
Vermutlich: Er ist vermutlich im Urlaub. (He is likely on vacation.)
Erwartungsgemäß: Erwartungsgemäß hat das Team gewonnen. (As expected, the team won.)
Anscheinend: Anscheinend ist die Straße gesperrt. (Apparently, the street is closed.)
Möglicherweise: Es ist möglicherweise zu spät. (It is possibly too late.)
Aller Voraussicht Nach: Aller Voraussicht nach wird das Wetter morgen schön. (In all probability, the weather will be nice tomorrow.)
Wohl: Das wird wohl stimmen. (That's probably true.)

These examples should give you a better idea of how to use these synonyms in real-world situations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good understanding of the synonyms for "voraussichtlich," it's easy to make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

Using "bestimmt" when you mean "wahrscheinlich": Remember that "bestimmt" primarily means "certainly" or "definitely." Avoid using it when you want to express a lower degree of probability.
Overusing formal synonyms in informal settings: Save the fancy words for formal occasions. Using them in casual conversation can sound stilted or pretentious.
Ignoring regional variations: Be aware that some synonyms may be more common in certain regions than others. If you're unsure, it's always best to stick with the more common and widely understood options.
Not considering the context: Always think about the overall context of the sentence or conversation when choosing a synonym. The wrong word can change the meaning entirely.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to the wonderful world of synonyms for "voraussichtlich" in German. By mastering these alternatives, you'll be able to express a wider range of possibilities and expectations, and your German will sound more nuanced and sophisticated. Keep practicing, pay attention to how native speakers use these words, and don't be afraid to experiment. Viel Erfolg (Good luck)!