allmählich
gradually
Happening slowly and step by step over a longer period of time.
EXAMPLE
Allmählich wurde es dunkel und die Sterne kamen zum Vorschein.
Gradually it got dark and the stars appeared.
allmählich
gradually
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Meanings
Usage tips
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'allmählich' (gradually) can stand flexibly in the sentence. If it stands at the beginning in position 1, the verb follows directly. But it can also stand after the verb and subject.
EXAMPLE
Allmählich verstand ich das Problem.
Gradually, I understood the problem.
Typical collocations
'Allmählich' (gradually) describes a slow change and is therefore often combined with verbs of change. Typical examples are 'allmählich werden' (to gradually become), 'beginnen' (to begin), 'sich gewöhnen' (to get used to), or 'verstehen' (to understand).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder gewöhnen sich allmählich an die neue Schule.
The children are gradually getting used to the new school.
Usage context
The word emphasizes a process that does not happen suddenly, but in small, barely noticeable steps. It often describes natural developments or slow changes.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Winter wird es allmählich wärmer.
After the long winter, it is gradually getting warmer.
Compare with
allmählich vs langsam
slow
Langsam and allmählich can both describe a change happening gradually. Langsam emphasizes the slow pace, while allmählich emphasizes the step-by-step transition over a longer period. Use langsam for slow progress and allmählich for a development that takes place in small steps.
allmählich
Mit jedem Tag bessert sich sein Zustand allmählich.
His condition is gradually improving with each passing day.
langsam
Trotz der Behandlung bessert sich sein Zustand nur langsam.
Despite the treatment, his condition is improving only slowly.
In real life
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