German word

offensichtlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɔfn̩ˌzɪçtlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveobvious

Example

Er war der offensichtlichste Kandidat.

He was the most obvious candidate.

Illustration for offensichtlich (obvious)

More examples

Das ist ein offensichtliches Missverständnis.

That is an obvious misunderstanding.

Core concept

A fact lies plainly in the open, leaving no sensible doubt.

Common phrases

  • ein offensichtliches Problem

    an obvious problem

  • der offensichtlichste Kandidat

    the most obvious candidate

  • Es ist offensichtlich, dass

    it is obvious that

Similar words

klar: Clear enough to understand at once.
deutlich: Clearly noticeable or easy to perceive.
offenbar: Clearly apparent from the available signs or facts.
eindeutig: So unambiguous that only one interpretation is possible.

Definition in German

deutlich sichtbar und nicht zweifelhaft.

Word origin

The adjective combines offen ('open') with sichtlich ('visible'), which is derived from Sicht ('sight').

Usage tips

  • As an adjective, offensichtlich takes normal German adjective endings, as in der offensichtlichste Kandidat.

Other meanings

  • obviouslyadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word