gelegentlich
/ɡəˈleːɡəntlɪç/
The English word occasionally is translated into German as gelegentlich.
gelegentlich is used to describe something that happens at relatively infrequent intervals. It can function as an adverb or as an adjective, such as in the phrase ein gelegentlicher Gast to mean 'an occasional guest'.
Meaning: at relatively infrequent intervals (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from die Gelegenheit, which means 'the opportunity' or 'the occasion'.
Which one should you use?
While gelegentlich means occasionally, the word manchmal is a more common and general way to express the idea of 'sometimes'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈleːɡəntlɪç/
Did you know?
- The word Gelegenheit can also refer to a 'bargain' or a 'steal' when shopping. To find a Gelegenheit is to find a great deal on a product.
- The term gelegentlich can be used as a sentence-level adverb to mean 'incidentally'. In this case, it introduces a side-note rather than describing frequency.
- The root word gelegen also means 'situated' or 'located'. This links the idea of an 'opportunity' to something being conveniently positioned in space or time.
Examples in context
- Er besuchte mich gelegentlich.He occasionally visited me.This sentence shows how to use gelegentlich to describe visiting someone.Tatoeba #3198172 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #298392 by CK
- Sie besuchten mich gelegentlich.They visited me occasionally.This sentence shows how to use gelegentlich when describing a visit in the past tense.Tatoeba #1513455 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #306762 by CK
- Wir werden euch gelegentlich besuchen.We will visit you occasionally.This sentence shows how to use gelegentlich when describing a future visit.Tatoeba #2084166 by al_ex_an_der, translation #4192683 by User66640
- Ich besuche gelegentlich KonzerteI occasionally attend concerts.
- Ich bekomme manchmal Besuch von meinen VerwandtenI occasionally receive visits from my relatives.
- Ich gehe ab und zu ins KinoI go to the cinema occasionally.
- Hin und wieder gehe ich mit meinen Freunden ausI occasionally go out with my friends.
- Ab und an verbringe ich den Tag am StrandI occasionally spend the day at the beach.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- MaximilianGehst du oft wandern?Do you go hiking often?
- LauraNein, nur gelegentlich.No, only occasionally.
- MaximilianIch gehe auch gelegentlich in den Wald.I also go to the forest occasionally.
- LauraDas ist sehr schön.That is very nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “occasionally” translations and entries gelegentlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
