wohl
probably · likely · comfortable · well
Dieses Wort drückt aus, dass man sich sicher ist oder etwas für wahrscheinlich hält.
Definition & meaning
The word wohl is a versatile particle and adverb in German with several distinct functions:
- Well-being or health: It describes a state of physical or mental comfort and health (e.g., "Sich wohl fühlen").
- Probability and conjecture: It is used as a modal particle to express that the speaker assumes something is true, often translating to "probably," "presumably," or "I suppose."
- Contrast or concession: It can be used to contrast a concession with a following "but" (aber), meaning "admittedly" or "it is true that."
- Agreement or doubt: Depending on the context, it can function as a rhetorical particle to express that one is aware of a fact, even if it is unpleasant.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammatically, wohl is primarily used as an adverb or a modal particle (Modalpartikel). It does not decline.
- Origin: It stems from the Old High German wola, which is related to the Germanic root wel-, meaning "to choose" or "to wish." This is the same root that produced the English word "well."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- gut (in the context of well-being)
- vermutlich (in the context of probability)
- wahrscheinlich (in the context of probability)
- sicherlich (in certain contexts of assumption)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er schläft wohl schon.adverb
He is probably already sleeping.
Er schläft wohl.adverb
He is likely sleeping.
Die Arbeit ist wohl erledigt.adverb
The work is probably done.
Sie fühlt sich wohl in ihrer neuen Wohnung.adverb
She feels comfortable in her new apartment.
Er schläft wohl noch.adverb
He is probably still sleeping.
Sie wird sich heute wohl fühlen.adverb
She will feel well today.
Das wird wohl nicht einfach sein.adverb
That probably will not be easy.
Du hast mir wohl die falsche Tasche gegeben.adverb
You probably gave me the wrong bag.
Sie haben wohl den falschen Zug genommen.adverb
They probably took the wrong train.
Sie hat wohl den Bus verpasst.adverb
She probably missed the bus.
Du hast wohl den Bus verpasst, oder?adverb
You probably missed the bus, didn’t you?
Das Essen hat ihm wohl geschmeckt.Word type unavailable
The food probably tasted good to him.
Du hast wohl deine Tasche im Klassenraum vergessen.Word type unavailable
You probably forgot your bag in the classroom.
Du hast das wohl falsch verstanden.Word type unavailable
You have probably misunderstood that.
Sie hat wohl den falschen Zug genommen.Word type unavailable
She has probably taken the wrong train.
Du kommst wohl heute etwas später nach Hause.Word type unavailable
You are probably coming home a bit later today.
Sie kommen wohl später zum Abendessen.Word type unavailable
They will probably come later to dinner.
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