Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| natürlich | /naˈtyːʁlɪç/ |
| sicher | /ˈzɪçər/ /ˈsɪçɐ/ |
In German, there are several ways to express certainty depending on whether you are responding to a request or stating a fact. natürlich is frequently used to mean 'of course' or 'naturally', implying an answer is obvious or follows a logical course. In contrast, sicher is often used to express certainty about a specific fact or a state of being.
Which one should you use?
While natürlich can function as a response meaning 'certainly', its primary sense is 'of course' or 'naturally'. sicher is the preferred choice when you want to express being sure about a state of being or a fact. Additionally, the adverb sicherlich serves as a way to say 'certainly' when modifying a verb or adjective within a sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sicherlich is an adverbial form used to modify a verb or an adjective within a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/naˈtyːʁlɪç/
When do people say it?
Other related expressions include Zweifellos, which literally means 'without a doubt' and Auf jeden Fall, which translates to 'in any case' or 'definitely'.
Did you know?
- While 'certainly' in English often implies a firm 'yes', using natürlich to mean 'certainly' can sometimes sound like you are saying 'it is obvious', which might unintentionally sound slightly condescending to a listener.
- While sicher means 'certainly' or 'sure', it is also the standard German word for 'safe', as in sicher parken for 'parking safely'.
- The word sicher actually traces its roots back to the Latin word 'securus', which means 'carefree' or 'without worry'.
Examples in context
- Das ist sicherlich Unsinn.That is certainly nonsense.This sentence uses sicher to express certainty about nonsense.Tatoeba #2458018 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12289182 by carlosalberto
- Du hast sicherlich Heimweh.You are certainly homesick.This sentence uses sicher to express certainty about being homesick.Tatoeba #2765896 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2764893 by carlosalberto
- Sie wurden sicherlich bemerkt.They certainly got noticed.This sentence uses sicher to express certainty about being noticed.Tatoeba #12977306 by Naina, translation #5737818 by CM
- Ja, bestimmt werde ich das erledigenYes, certainly, I will take care of that.
- Ich bin mir ganz gewiss, dass es funktionieren wirdI am quite certain it will work.
- Das ist zweifellos richtigThat is certainly correct.
- Da gehe ich auf jeden Fall hinI am definitely going there.
- Sicher, sicher, ich komme vorbeiSure, sure, I'll come over.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian asks Hannah for help with a task.
- MaximilianKannst du mir kurz helfen, Hannah?Can you help me for a moment, Hannah?
- HannahNatürlich helfe ich dir!Of course I will help you!
- MaximilianDas ist wirklich sehr nett von dir.That is really very kind of you.
- HannahKein Problem, das ist doch natürlich klar.No problem, that's naturally clear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “certainly” translations and entries natürlich, sicher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries natürlich, sicher, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
