Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| offensichtlich | /ˈʔɔfənzɪçtlɪç/ /ʔɔfənˈzɪçtlɪç/ |
|
| augenscheinlich | /ˈaʊ̯ɡn̩ˌʃaɪ̯nlɪç/ | honorific |
| offenbar | /ˈɔfn̩baːɐ̯/ /ɔfn̩ˈbaːɐ̯/ |
|
| offenkundig | /ˈɔfn̩ˌkʊndɪç/ /ˈɔfn̩ˌkʊndɪk/ |
|
| sichtlich |
These terms are used to describe something that is clearly apparent or in an obvious manner. Offensichtlich can function as a sentence adverb to express the speaker's assessment of a situation. While most of these terms describe things that are clear to the observer, some nuance exists depending on whether you are describing something that appears to be true based on evidence or something that is physically visible.
What does it mean word for word?
The word offensichtlich is built from offen (open) and Sicht (sight/view), literally meaning 'open to the sight'.
Which one should you use?
Offensichtlich implies that the truth is undeniable and immediately visible. In contrast, offenbar often carries a nuance of 'it appears to be so based on the evidence' (apparently/evidently). If you want to specify that something can be perceived specifically by the eyes, such as being visibly nervous, use sichtlich.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal or professional contexts, you may use Selbstverständlich to mean 'obviously' or 'of course' or Ohne Zweifel to mean 'without a doubt'. In casual settings, Klar is a common way to say 'obviously' or 'clearly' and Logisch is used colloquially to mean 'logical' or 'naturally'. The form augenscheinlich is specifically marked as honorific.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly Austria and southern Germany, people use the casual phrase eh klar to mean 'obviously' or 'of course'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔɔfənzɪçtlɪç/
Did you know?
- In a courtroom or legal setting, you might hear the word offenkundig. This is a much more heavy, formal term used when a fact is so clearly established that it is considered a matter of public record.
- The word augenscheinlich comes from Augenschein, which refers to a formal ocular inspection of a property or site.
- Using the word offensichtlich to mean 'obviously' can sometimes sound like you are making an assumption. Because it relates to how things 'appear', it can imply that the truth might actually be different from what is seen.
Examples in context
- Er liebt dich offenbar.He obviously loves you.This sentence shows how to use offenbar to describe someone's feelings toward another person.Tatoeba #3973864 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3966061 by Hybrid
- Er hat offenbar gelogen.He obviously lied.This sentence uses offenbar to describe a past action that is evident.Tatoeba #2011252 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2009630 by CK
- Sie ist offenbar betrunken.She's obviously drunk.This sentence uses offenbar to describe a person's current state.Tatoeba #1848916 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1848883 by Spamster
- Selbstverständlich werde ich Ihre Bedenken ernst nehmen.Obviously, I will take your concerns seriously.
- Klar, er hat den Wettbewerb gewonnen.Obviously, he won the competition.
- Logisch, dass sie stolz auf ihre Erfolge ist.Obviously, she is proud of her achievements.
- Eh klar, dass ich mich darum kümmern werde.Obviously, I will take care of it.
- 150 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are looking at a broken window.
- MaximilianDas ist offensichtlich ein Einbruch.This is obviously a break-in.
- SarahJa, die Scheibe ist komplett kaputt.Yes, the pane is completely broken.
- MaximilianDu hast recht, Sarah.You are right, Sarah.
- SarahWir müssen sofort die Polizei rufen.We must call the police immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obviously” translations and entries offensichtlich, augenscheinlich, offenbar, offenkundig, sichtlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries augenscheinlich, offenbar, offensichtlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
