German Conversation · Level 23
90 words
German word
hoffentlich
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈhɔfn̩tlɪç/
Meaning
- adverbhopefully
Example
Hoffentlich kommst du pünktlich.
Hopefully, you'll arrive on time.
More examples
Hoffentlich bekomme ich bald eine Antwort.
Hopefully, I will get an answer soon.
Core concept
A speaker looking ahead to a desired event and hoping it becomes real.
Common phrases
Hoffentlich bald eine Antwort
hopefully an answer soon
Hoffentlich nächstes Mal
hopefully next time
Hoffentlich nicht so teuer
hopefully not so expensive
Similar words
vielleicht: Indicates that something may happen, without saying how likely it is.
möglicherweise: Suggests cautiously that something may happen.
eventuell: Indicates that something may happen depending on the circumstances.
wahrscheinlich: Indicates that something is expected to happen with high probability.
Definition in German
Drückt aus, dass der Sprecher hofft, dass etwas eintreten wird.
Word origin
Hoffentlich is formed from hoffen, 'to hope', with -lich, creating an adjective meaning 'hopeful' that is also used as a sentence adverb.
Usage tips
- At the start of a clause, hoffentlich is followed by the finite verb in second position: Hoffentlich kommst du pünktlich.