Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| gleichfalls | |
| ebenfalls | /ˈeːbn̩fals/ |
| ebenso | /ˈeːbənzoː/ |
| ähnlich | /ˈɛːnlɪç/ |
While many of these words mean 'likewise', they can be used to mean 'also' or 'as well' when adding an item to a list or a situation or they can describe a quality or manner being identical.
What does it mean word for word?
The word gleichfalls is composed of gleich (equal/same) and falls (in the manner of/case), literally meaning 'in the same case'.
Which one should you use?
While all these words mean 'likewise', ebenso is more frequently used to describe a manner or quality being identical. In contrast, ebenfalls and gleichfalls are often used to mean 'also' or 'as well' when adding an item to a list or a situation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ebenfalls is slightly more formal than gleichfalls and is very common in written German. Ebenso is a formal way to say likewise. Gleichfalls is also a formal way to say likewise. For informal situations, you can use Dir auch or Euch auch. If you want to say 'it's mutual' informally, you can use Ist gegenseitig.
Did you know?
- The formal ebenfalls actually traces back to a grammatical structure involving the adverbial genitive, originally meaning 'in just the same case'.
Examples in context
- Der Ausgang befindet sich ebenfalls im Erdgeschoß.The exit is likewise on the ground floor.This sentence shows how to use ebenfalls to indicate a location.Tatoeba #6766856 by brauchinet, translation #9493117 by sundown
- Ich habe mich ebenfalls gefreut, Sie kennenzulernen!Likewise, it was nice to meet you.This sentence shows how to use ebenfalls to return a sentiment about meeting someone.Tatoeba #5083196 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1119452 by daywo
- Ebenso wie dem Menschen schmeckt auch dem Bären der Honig.As people like honey, so likewise do bears.This sentence shows how to use ebenso to compare how things are liked.Tatoeba #7757574 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8970007 by sundown
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are saying goodbye after a dinner party.
- LauraSchönes Wochenende noch, Felix!Have a nice weekend, Felix!
- FelixDanke, gleichfalls!Thanks, likewise!
- LauraKomm gut nach Hause.Get home safely.
- FelixDas wünsche ich dir auch.I wish you the same.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “likewise” translations and entries gleichfalls, ebenfalls, ebenso, ähnlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ebenfalls, ebenso, gleichfalls, ähnlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
