angeblich
/ˈanˌɡeːplɪç/gender neutral
The German word for allegedly is angeblich.
The adverb angeblich is used to express doubt or to indicate that a statement is based on hearsay rather than verified fact. While angeblich focuses on what is being alleged, you may also encounter the modal particle wohl, which can be used to imply an alleged action or event.
Meaning: according to allegation (adv)
Which one should you use?
In more formal contexts, you might use vermeintlich, which can be translated as 'supposedly' or 'presumably'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, angeblich does not change its form based on the gender, number or case of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈanˌɡeːplɪç/
Did you know?
- The word angeblich is built from the verb angeben, which in modern German slang can mean 'to show off' or 'to boast'.
- In German legal contexts, the term mutmaßlich is often preferred over angeblich because it suggests a logical deduction rather than just a rumor.
- Unlike the English 'allegedly', which is often used by journalists to avoid lawsuits, Germans may use angeblich in private settings to subtly mock someone's excuse.
Examples in context
- Er hat sie angeblich umgebracht.He allegedly killed her.This sentence shows how to use angeblich to report an alleged crime.Tatoeba #12406434 by Waldelfe, translation #8520930 by CH
- Sie hat ihn angeblich umgebracht.She allegedly killed him.Tatoeba #1562742 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #886941 by CK
- Der Jakobsweg ist eine Wallfahrtsroute zur Kathedrale von Santiago de Compostela im Nordwesten Spaniens, wo sich angeblich die sterblichen Überreste des Apostels Jakobus des Älteren befinden.The St. James's Way is a pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where allegedly the remains of the apostle St. James are buried.This sentence uses angeblich to describe a claim regarding a location's history.Tatoeba #3997412 by hjoest, translation #3997377 by hjoest
- Die vermeintlichen Täter sind noch nicht identifiziert.The alleged perpetrators haven't been identified yet.
- Der angebliche Zeuge konnte keine genauen Angaben machen.The alleged witness couldn't provide precise information.
- Er hat das Geld wohl gestohlen.He allegedly stole the money.
- Angeblich hat er das Geld gestohlen.Supposedly, he stole the money.
- Vermeintlich hat er das Auto gestohlen, aber möglicherweise war es doch jemand anderes.Allegedly, he stole the car, but perhaps it was someone else.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a rumor about a local cafe's closing.
- JuliaDas Café schließt angeblich nächste Woche.The cafe is allegedly closing next week.
- JulianEcht? Das ist aber schade.Really? That is a shame, though.
- JuliaJa, Julian, ich habe es im Radio gehört.Yes, Julian, I heard it on the radio.
- JulianHoffentlich stimmt das nicht.I hope that is not true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “allegedly” translations and entries angeblich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries angeblich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
