vielleicht
/fiˈlaɪ̯çt/
The German word for perhaps is vielleicht.
vielleicht is the most common and versatile way to say 'perhaps' in German, used to indicate that something is possible but not certain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrases unter Umständen and womöglich are also used for 'perhaps' in some regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
When vielleicht starts a sentence, the verb must follow immediately in the second position (V2 word order), as seen in the phrase Vielleicht ist es Tom.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiˈlaɪ̯çt/
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, vielleicht is used as an intensifier similar to 'really' or 'very', such as saying something is vielleicht schön to mean 'really beautiful'.
- The word vielleicht literally translates to 'very likely' or 'very easily' when you look at its roots, 'vil' meaning 'very' and 'leicht' meaning 'easy'.
- When Germans use vielleicht in a question, it often signals extreme politeness or hesitation, acting as a hedge to avoid sounding too direct.
Examples in context
- Vielleicht ist es Tom.Perhaps it's Tom.The first sentence shows how to use vielleicht at the beginning of a sentence.Tatoeba #6614825 by Felixjp, translation #6126305 by CK
- Vielleicht ist es egal.Perhaps it doesn't matter.Tatoeba #8303212 by Luiaard, translation #4497828 by CK
- Du hast vielleicht recht.Perhaps you're right.Tatoeba #899805 by Esperantostern, translation #1898277 by CK
- Vielleicht hast du recht.Perhaps you are right.
- Vielleicht können wir das später besprechen.Perhaps we can discuss this later.
- Eventuell wird der Termin verschoben.Perhaps the appointment will be rescheduled.
- Eventuell kann ich Ihnen dabei helfen.Perhaps I can help you with that.
- Vielleicht mal nächste Woche ins Kino gehen?Perhaps we could go to the cinema next week?
- Vielleicht mal einen Kaffee trinken?How about grabbing a coffee sometime?
- Möglicherweise habe ich am Wochenende Zeit.Perhaps I will have time during the weekend.
- Möglicherweise kann ich mitkommen.Maybe I can come along.
- Unter Umständen werde ich später kommen.Perhaps I will come later.
- Vielleicht auch nächste Woche?Perhaps next week as well?
- 241 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are discussing their weekend plans.
- LukasGehen wir am Samstag wandern?Are we going hiking on Saturday?
- JuliaVielleicht, wenn das Wetter gut ist.Perhaps, if the weather is good.
- LukasJulia, hast du Zeit?Julia, do you have time?
- JuliaIch muss es noch prüfen.I still have to check it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vielleicht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vielleicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
