01
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 Zeit
time
'mit der Zeit' (over time) and 'allmählich' both describe that something does not happen immediately, but slowly, step by step. 'mit der Zeit' emphasizes the process over a longer period of time. 'allmählich' describes the slow change itself more directly. Often you can use both in similar ways, for example with habits, feelings, or improvements. 'mit der Zeit' sounds a bit more like a development over a longer time, while 'allmählich' fits well when you want to emphasize the slow process in the sentence.
allmählich
Nach dem Training wird ihr Rücken allmählich stärker.
After the training, her back is gradually getting stronger.
Zeit
Mit der Zeit wird er bei der Arbeit sicherer.
Over time, he will become more confident at work.
In real life
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