German word

gelegentlich

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈleːgn̩tlɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbsometimes

Example

Ich sehe gelegentlich Freunde im Park.

I sometimes see friends in the park.

Illustration for gelegentlich (sometimes)

More examples

Während des Unterrichts meldet sich gelegentlich jemand mit einer Frage.

During class, someone occasionally raises their hand to ask a question.

Core concept

An event shows up now and then like a brief visitor, while many ordinary moments pass between appearances.

Common phrases

  • gelegentlich eine Pause machen

    occasionally take a break

  • gelegentlich Termine verschieben

    occasionally reschedule appointments

  • gelegentlich vorkommen

    occasionally occur

Similar words

manchmal: On some occasions, but not regularly or constantly.
ab und zu: Now and then, in a relaxed conversational style.
hin und wieder: Once in a while, with a gentle and understated tone.

Definition in German

Ein Adverb für Ereignisse, die von Zeit zu Zeit, aber nicht regelmäßig vorkommen.

Word origin

The word is built from gelegen, related to the idea of something occurring or being situated, plus the adjective-forming suffix -lich.

Usage tips

  • Gelegentlich is neutral in both speech and writing, while manchmal and ab und zu are common alternatives in less formal conversation.

Other meanings

  • occasionallyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word