auf jeden Fall
The German phrase for "definitely" is auf jeden Fall.
auf jeden Fall is used as an emphatic affirmative answer or to mean "of course".
Meaning: An emphatic affirmative answer, of course (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase auf jeden Fall literally translates to "in any case" or "in every case".
Which one should you use?
To express the exact opposite, such as "definitely not" or "in no case", use auf keinen Fall.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial phrase, auf jeden Fall can be placed at the beginning of a sentence or within the sentence structure to emphasize the certainty of the verb.
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, Germans often shorten auf jeden Fall to just auf jeden to sound more relaxed.
- Saying auf keinen Fall with a sharp drop in pitch can signal a total refusal that is more aggressive than saying 'definitely not' in English.
- While we use 'case' to mean a specific instance in English, the German Fall traces its sense of 'case' back to a linguistic calque of the Latin word 'casus'.
Examples in context
- Ich komme auf jeden Fall.I'll definitely come.This sentence shows how to use auf jeden Fall to express a definite intention to come.Tatoeba #644209 by samueldora, translation #2777247 by CK
- Tom kann das auf jeden Fall.Tom is definitely able to do that.This sentence demonstrates using auf jeden Fall to express definite ability.Tatoeba #7423925 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6265156 by CK
- Es wird auf jeden Fall regnen.It'll definitely rain.This sentence shows how to use auf jeden Fall to express certainty about a future event like rain.Tatoeba #1315630 by Zaghawa, translation #1263640 by CK
- Ich bin mir ganz sicher, dass ich rechtzeitig ankommen werde.I am absolutely certain that I will arrive on time.
- Ich komme unbedingt zur Besprechung morgen.I will definitely come to the meeting tomorrow.
- Das Ergebnis wird zweifellos positiv sein.The result will undoubtedly be positive.
- Ich komm' auf jeden Fall zu deiner Party.I'm definitely coming to your party.
- Das ist ganz bestimmt die richtige Lösung.That is definitely the correct solution.
- Ich bin absolut einverstanden.I definitely agree.
- 116 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are planning a dinner together.
- JulianKommst du heute Abend zum Essen?Are you coming to dinner tonight?
- SarahJa, ich bin auf jeden Fall dabei!Yes, I am definitely in!
- JulianSoll ich einen Wein mitbringen?Should I bring a wine?
- SarahAuf jeden Fall, das wäre super.Definitely, that would be great.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auf jeden Fall, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Fall, auf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
