definitely / quite
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definitely
Used to reinforce a statement or emphasize a possibility; in the sense of 'unbedingt' (absolutely), 'auf jeden Fall' (in any case), or 'gewiss' (certainly).
Das ist durchaus eine interessante Option, über die wir nachdenken sollten.
That is definitely an interesting option that we should think about.
quite
Expresses that something applies in every respect or completely. It has a similar meaning to 'völlig' (completely) or 'komplett' (entirely).
Er ist ein durchaus sympathischer und kompetenter Kollege.
He is quite a likable and competent colleague.
The word is made up of 'durch' (through) and 'aus' (out). This combination expresses that something applies 'from beginning to end' or 'in every respect,' which explains the meaning 'völlig' (completely) or 'auf jeden Fall' (definitely) well.
Deine Idee ist durchaus überzeugend.
Your idea is quite convincing.
As an adverb, 'durchaus' can stand in position 1; then the verb follows directly after it. But it can also stand in the middle of the sentence to emphasize part of the sentence.
Durchaus kann man das so sehen.
One can definitely see it that way.
In this meaning, 'durchaus' is often used to confirm a possibility or a positive assessment that may not have been expected. It often sounds more considered and more formal than a simple 'yes.'
Können wir das Projekt noch retten? – Ja, das ist durchaus möglich.
Can we still save the project? – Yes, that is definitely possible.
When 'durchaus' means 'völlig' (completely), it often appears before positive adjectives to intensify their meaning. Typical combinations are 'durchaus positiv' (quite positive), 'durchaus zufrieden' (quite satisfied), or 'durchaus gelungen' (quite successful).
Das Konzert war ein durchaus gelungener Abend.
The concert was quite a successful evening.
however / certainly
Both words can reinforce a positive statement. „Allerdings“ can express emphatic agreement, while „durchaus“ emphasizes that something is possible or that a statement is valid. Use „allerdings“ especially as a confirming response, and „durchaus“ when you want to express that something is genuinely possible or true.
Ich kann dir durchaus morgen bei der Sitzung helfen.
I can definitely help you at the meeting tomorrow.
Allerdings komme ich morgen zur Sitzung, denn ich habe es versprochen.
Certainly, I’ll come to the meeting tomorrow because I promised.
