How to Say "Probability" in German

Wahrscheinlichkeit

/vaːɐ̯ˈʃaɪ̯nlɪçˌkaɪ̯t/feminine

The English word 'probability' is translated into German as Wahrscheinlichkeit.

Wahrscheinlichkeit is a noun used to describe the state of being probable or the likelihood of an event occurring.

Meaning: state of being probable, likelihood (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

Wahrscheinlichkeit is a feminine noun and takes the definite article die. The plural form of the noun is Wahrscheinlichkeiten.

/vaːɐ̯ˈʃaɪ̯nlɪçˌkaɪ̯t/

The word Wahrscheinlichkeit is built from scheinen, which means 'to seem'. Literally, a probability is something that has the 'appearance of being true'.
The word wahrscheinlich can sometimes be used as a sarcastic retort to mean 'likely' in a way that implies the opposite, similar to the English 'likely story'.
In mathematical contexts, German speakers often use the term Stochastik to refer to the study of Wahrscheinlichkeiten.

Die Wahrscheinlichkeit ist gering.
The probability is low.
The sentence is useful for stating that the Wahrscheinlichkeit is low.
Tatoeba #12186589 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12133999 by sundown
Aber die Wahrscheinlichkeit ist gering.
The probability is, however, low.
Tatoeba #1836902 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11060450 by sundown
Die Wahrscheinlichkeit ist nicht null, aber fast.
The probability isn't zero, but it almost is.
The sentence is useful for stating that the Wahrscheinlichkeit is not zero.
Tatoeba #8401549 by brauchinet, translation #8888133 by sundown
Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass es regnen wird, beträgt 70%.
The probability of rain is 70%.
Die Chancen stehen schlecht, dass unsere Mannschaft gewinnt.
The chances are slim that our team will win.
Es ist unwahrscheinlich, dass ich morgen Zeit habe.
It is unlikely that I'll have time tomorrow.
11 more sentences on Tatoeba

Lukas and Hannah are discussing the weather during a walk.

Lukas

Wie hoch ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit für Regen?
How high is the probability of rain?
Hannah

Die Wahrscheinlichkeit ist ziemlich hoch heute.
The probability is quite high today.
Lukas

Sollten wir dann lieber einen Schirm mitnehmen?
Should we take an umbrella with us then?
Hannah

Ja, das ist eine gute Idee.
Yes, that is a good idea.

Sources

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