möglicherweise
/ˈmøːklɪçɐˈvaɪ̯zə/
The German word for 'possibly' is möglicherweise.
möglicherweise is an adverb used to indicate that a proposition may be true or false.
Meaning: adverb indicating that a proposition may be true or false (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the adjective möglich (possible) and the suffix -weise (in a manner/way), literally meaning 'in a possible manner'.
Which one should you use?
While möglicherweise and vielleicht (perhaps / maybe) are often interchangeable, möglicherweise sounds slightly more formal and emphasizes the theoretical possibility of a situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, möglicherweise can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to modify the entire proposition, which often triggers an inversion of the subject and the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmøːklɪçɐˈvaɪ̯zə/
Did you know?
- The suffix -weise comes from the noun Weise, which can also mean 'melody' or 'tune' in a musical context. This shows how a single root can branch into vastly different meanings like 'manner' and 'song'.
- German speakers often use vielleicht as a filler word or a 'hedge' to be polite, even when they are almost certain of an answer, to avoid sounding too aggressive or blunt.
- While möglicherweise sounds formal, the root word möglich is used in the common idiomatic expression Das ist doch nicht möglich!, which translates to 'That's impossible!' or 'I can't believe it!'
Examples in context
- Möglicherweise ist es wahr.Possibly, it's true.This sentence shows how to use möglicherweise at the start of a sentence.Tatoeba #3741128 by Esperantostern, translation #3741123 by Eldad
- Tom weint möglicherweise gerade.Tom is possibly crying right now.This sentence shows how to use möglicherweise to modify a verb in the middle of a sentence.Tatoeba #7452980 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6349000 by CK
- Es handelt sich möglicherweise um Krebs.It might possibly be cancer.This sentence shows how to use möglicherweise to express a possibility regarding a medical condition.Tatoeba #12603832 by Waldelfe, translation #12134318 by CK
- Möglicherweise wird er später kommenHe might possibly come later.
- Eventuell wird die Veranstaltung verschobenPossibly the event will be postponed.
- Vielleicht gehen wir morgen ins KinoPerhaps we'll go to the cinema tomorrow.
- Vielleicht geht sich ein Treffen nächste Woche aus.Maybe we can meet next week.
- Möglicherweise werde ich den Termin verschieben.Possibly, I will reschedule the appointment.
- Vielleicht können wir uns heute Abend treffen.Maybe we can meet tonight.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- FelixKommst du morgen zu mir?Are you coming to my place tomorrow?
- LauraIch komme möglicherweise etwas später.I will possibly come a bit later.
- FelixIst das ein Problem?Is that a problem?
- LauraNein, ich muss nur kurz arbeiten.No, I just have to work for a bit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry möglicherweise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
