definitely / definitive
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definitely
Used as an adverb to emphasize something; means 'certainly', 'in any case', or 'absolutely'.
Ich kann dir definitiv sagen, dass ich morgen zur Besprechung komme.
I can definitely tell you that I will come to the meeting tomorrow.
definitive
Used as an adjective to express that something is final, conclusive, and can no longer be changed.
Nach langer Überlegung habe ich eine definitive Entscheidung getroffen.
After a lot of thought, I made a definitive decision.
The word 'definitiv' has two main functions. As an adverb, it means 'sicher' (certainly) or 'auf jeden Fall' (in any case/definitely) and is not declined. As an adjective before a noun, it means 'endgültig' (final/definitive) and must be declined.
Ich komme definitiv zur Party.
I am definitely coming to the party.
In its adverbial function, 'definitiv' is very popular in spoken language for strongly emphasizing a statement. It is often used as a one-word answer.
Kommst du morgen mit? – Definitiv!
Are you coming along tomorrow? – Definitely!
As an adjective, 'definitiv' is often combined with nouns that express a conclusion or a fixed arrangement. Typical examples are 'eine definitive Zusage' (a definitive confirmation), 'ein definitiver Termin' (a definitive date), or 'ein definitiver Plan' (a definitive plan).
Wir brauchen bis morgen eine definitive Zusage von Ihnen.
We need a definitive confirmation from you by tomorrow.
sure / safe
Both words can express emphatic certainty. Depending on the context, „sicher“ tends to suggest a personal assessment, while „definitiv“ sounds more categorical and leaves hardly any room for doubt. Use „sicher“ for a confident assessment and „definitiv“ for a particularly decisive statement.
Paul kommt definitiv morgen zur Besprechung.
Paul is definitely coming to the meeting tomorrow.
Paul kommt sicher morgen zur Besprechung.
Paul is surely coming to the meeting tomorrow.
