adverbadverb

schließlich

finally

Dieses Wort benutzt man, wenn etwas am Ende oder nach einer längeren Zeit passiert.

Definition & meaning

The word "schließlich" is a common German adverb and conjunction that primarily carries two meanings:

Finally or At last: It is used to describe an event that happens after a long period of time, often after some difficulties or a long wait. In this context, it marks the end of a sequence or process. For example, "After hours of searching, we finally found the keys."
After all or Ultimately: It functions as a logical connector used to justify a statement or to point out an obvious fact that supports an argument. For example, "You should help him; he is, after all, your brother."

Grammar & Word origin

The word is derived from the German verb schließen, which means "to close" or "to conclude." The suffix "-lich" is a common suffix used to form adjectives or adverbs from nouns or verbs.

Morphologically, it consists of:

schließ-: the stem of the verb "schließen."
-lich: the adverbial/adjectival suffix.

In a sentence, "schließlich" can function as an adverb qualifying a verb or as a sentence connector (konjunktionaladverb). Its position in the sentence can vary depending on what the speaker wants to emphasize.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

endlich: Used specifically when expressing relief that something has finally happened after a long wait.
letztendlich: Similar to "ultimately," often used when summarizing a result.
zuletzt: Meaning "lastly" or "most recently."
am Ende: Literally "at the end."
immerhin: Used as a synonym for "after all" in certain argumentative contexts.