augenscheinlich
obvious
Obvious, clearly recognizable, or easy for everyone to see.
EXAMPLE
Der Riss in der Wand war augenscheinlich und konnte nicht übersehen werden.
The crack in the wall was obvious and could not be overlooked.
augenscheinlich
obvious / apparent
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Meanings
augenscheinlich
apparently
At first glance; seemingly. It suggests that reality might be different from what one sees.
EXAMPLE
Er war augenscheinlich ruhig, aber innerlich kochte er vor Wut.
He was apparently calm, but inside he was boiling with anger.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Auge' (eye) and 'Schein' (appearance). So it describes something that is true according to the 'appearance to the eye,' that is, according to pure observation.
EXAMPLE
Der Grund für seine Abwesenheit war augenscheinlich.
The reason for his absence was obvious.
Sentence structure
'Augenscheinlich' (obvious/apparent) can stand as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb, often at the beginning of a sentence, to comment on the whole sentence.
EXAMPLE
Das war ein augenscheinlicher Fehler.
That was an obvious mistake.
Register
'Augenscheinlich' (obvious/apparent) is a word of written language and more formal usage. It is used less often in everyday conversation.
EXAMPLE
Die Beweise waren augenscheinlich und führten schnell zur Lösung des Falls.
The evidence was obvious and quickly led to the solution of the case.
Context clue
The meaning 'scheinbar' (apparently/seemingly, with doubt) can often be recognized by a contrast in the sentence. Often an 'aber' (but) follows, describing the true situation that contradicts the first impression.
EXAMPLE
Augenscheinlich hörte er zu, aber seine Gedanken waren ganz woanders.
Apparently, he was listening, but his thoughts were somewhere else entirely.
Compare with
augenscheinlich vs offenbar
apparently / obvious
Offenbar and augenscheinlich can both express a conclusion based on recognizable clues. Offenbar tends to describe a conclusion drawn from several signs, while augenscheinlich particularly points to something immediately visible or clearly recognizable. Use offenbar when interpreting evidence and augenscheinlich when directly observing a situation.
augenscheinlich
Augenscheinlich ist der Baum beschädigt, weil ein großer Ast abgebrochen ist.
The tree is obviously damaged, because a large branch has broken off.
offenbar
Offenbar hat der Sturm den Baum beschädigt, denn mehrere Äste liegen auf dem Boden.
Apparently, the storm damaged the tree, because several branches are lying on the ground.
In real life
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