approximately
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approximately
Indicates that a number, quantity, or time is only approximate and not exact. Synonymous with 'ungefähr' (approximately) or 'etwa' (about).
Die Fahrt zum Flughafen dauert circa 45 Minuten.
The trip to the airport takes approximately 45 minutes.
In written communication, notes, and many texts, 'circa' is almost always abbreviated as 'ca.'. The pronunciation, however, remains 'circa'.
Für das Rezept braucht man ca. 200 g Mehl.
For the recipe, you need approx. 200 g of flour.
'Circa' (approximately) normally stands directly before the number or quantity it refers to.
Die Reparatur wird circa zwei Stunden dauern.
The repair will take approximately two hours.
'Circa' comes from Latin and often sounds somewhat more formal or technical. In everyday language, 'ungefähr' (approximately) or 'etwa' (about) are used more often.
Die Entfernung beträgt circa 15 Kilometer.
The distance is approximately 15 kilometers.
at / around / in order to
Um and circa can occur together when referring to an approximate time. Um presents the time as a point in time and, depending on the context, can be understood approximately, while circa explicitly marks the lack of precision. Use circa when you want the estimate to be especially clear.
Wir treffen uns circa um acht Uhr am Bahnhof.
We'll meet at approximately eight o'clock at the train station.
Wir treffen uns um acht Uhr am Bahnhof.
We'll meet at eight o'clock at the train station.
