fortunately
Loading your saved state.
fortunately
Expresses that a circumstance or development is pleasing and brings joy. It is used to comment on a positive fact.
Erfreulicherweise hat sich das Wetter zum Wochenende hin gebessert.
Fortunately, the weather improved toward the weekend.
The word is made up of the adjective 'erfreulich' (pleasing) and the suffix '-erweise' (-ly / in a ... way). It literally means 'in a pleasing way' and comments positively on an entire situation.
Die Prüfung war erfreulicherweise nicht so schwer wie gedacht.
Fortunately, the exam was not as difficult as expected.
As a sentence adverb, 'erfreulicherweise' (fortunately) often stands in position 1, followed immediately by the verb. But it can also stand in the middle of the sentence after the verb and the subject.
Erfreulicherweise sind alle Gäste pünktlich gekommen.
Fortunately, all the guests arrived on time.
'Erfreulicherweise' (fortunately) belongs more to written or more formal spoken language. It is often used to introduce positive news in a neutral or formal report.
Die Spendensumme war erfreulicherweise höher als im Vorjahr.
Fortunately, the donation amount was higher than in the previous year.
unfortunately
'leider' and 'erfreulicherweise' both comment on a fact, but they evaluate it in opposite ways. You use 'leider' when something is unfortunate, unpleasant, or disappointing. You use 'erfreulicherweise' when something is positive and pleasing. Both words often appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. The simple difference is: 'leider' for bad news, 'erfreulicherweise' for positive developments.
Erfreulicherweise hat sie am Morgen erfahren, dass der Termin frei ist.
Fortunately, she found out in the morning that the appointment was available.
Die Verkäuferin kann die Bestellung leider erst morgen schicken.
Unfortunately, the saleswoman cannot send the order until tomorrow.