01
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
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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 mean that, based on what one sees or notices, something is probably true or clear. 'augenscheinlich' puts more emphasis on the visible impression: you see something and draw a conclusion from it. However, it can also refer only to a first impression that may not be correct. 'offenbar' is more general and can also be based on other clues, not just on what one sees with one's eyes.
augenscheinlich
Im Büro war augenscheinlich alles ruhig, aber der Chef wartete schon auf eine Erklärung.
In the office, everything was apparently calm, but the boss was already waiting for an explanation.
offenbar
Sie hat offenbar mit der Kollegin gesprochen, denn sie kennt alle neuen Pläne.
She has apparently spoken with her colleague, because she knows all the new plans.
In real life
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