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allemal
certainly
Used to emphasize a statement in the sense of 'definitely', 'certainly', or 'surely'.
example
Das ist allemal besser, als gar nichts zu tun.
That is certainly better than doing nothing at all.
allemal
certainly / every time
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'allemal' is a contraction of 'alle Mal' (all times / every time). This origin explains the rarer meaning 'jedes einzelne Mal' (each and every time). Today’s usual meaning, 'auf jeden Fall' (definitely / in any case), is an intensifier that developed from this.
EXAMPLE
Ein Versuch ist es allemal wert.
It is certainly worth a try.
Word order
As an adverb, 'allemal' usually stands in the middle part of the sentence (Mittelfeld). It often stands directly before an adjective or an assessment in order to intensify it.
EXAMPLE
Das schaffe ich bis morgen allemal.
I can definitely manage that by tomorrow.
Typical collocations
'Allemal' is often used in combination with evaluative expressions. Typical combinations are 'besser allemal' (certainly better), 'reicht allemal' (is definitely enough), or 'ist es allemal wert' (is certainly worth it).
EXAMPLE
Für den Preis ist die Qualität allemal in Ordnung.
For the price, the quality is certainly okay.
Compare with
allemal vs immer
always
'immer' and 'allemal' can, in rare cases, both have to do with every occasion. In normal German, however, the difference is clear: 'immer' describes time or repetition, meaning that something happens every time or constantly. 'allemal' is usually used to emphasize a statement and means more like 'definitely' or 'certainly'. Learners may confuse the words because 'allemal' sounds as if it simply means 'immer'. In most everyday sentences, however, that is not the case. For time and habits, 'immer' is correct; for a certain evaluation or emphasis, 'allemal' fits.
allemal
Für die Prüfung reicht eine Stunde Lernen allemal nicht.
One hour of studying is definitely not enough for the exam.
immer
Nach der Arbeit ruft Ali immer seine Eltern an.
After work, Ali always calls his parents.
In real life
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