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noun

die Möglichkeit, -en

possibility · opportunity · option

Etwas, das getan werden kann oder passieren könnte.

Definition & meaning

The word Möglichkeit refers to the state or fact of being possible. It is used in two primary contexts:

  1. Possibility/Potentiality: The chance that something may happen or exist. It describes whether an event is capable of occurring.
  2. Opportunity/Option: A specific circumstance or occasion that makes it possible to do something. It often implies a choice among alternatives or a chance to achieve a goal.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is a feminine noun (die Möglichkeit), and its plural is die Möglichkeiten.
  • Word origin: It is derived from the adjective möglich (possible). The suffix -keit is a common German noun-forming suffix used to turn adjectives into abstract nouns, similar to the English suffix -ity (as in "possibility"). The word möglich itself comes from the Old High German magalih, which is related to the verb mögen (to be able to/to like).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • die Chance (referring to an opportunity)
  • die Option (referring to a choice)
  • die Gelegenheit (referring to an occasion or favorable circumstance)
  • das Vermögen (in the sense of capability)

Antonyms:

  • die Unmöglichkeit (impossibility)

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Examples

Eine Möglichkeit wäre, morgen zu starten.noun

A possibility would be to start tomorrow.

Diese Möglichkeit steht uns offen.noun

This possibility is open to us.

Du hast die Möglichkeit, eine neue Sprache zu lernen.noun

You have the opportunity to learn a new language.

Menschen haben immer mehrere Möglichkeiten.noun

People always have several options.

Ich habe kaum Möglichkeiten, in dieser Stadt Arbeit zu finden.noun

I have hardly any opportunities to find work in this city.

Hattest du schon einmal die Möglichkeit, im Ausland zu studieren?noun

Have you ever had the opportunity to study abroad?

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