etwa
about / approximately
Used to give an approximate figure; means 'ungefähr' (approximately), 'circa' (about), or 'rund' (around).
EXAMPLE
Die Reparatur wird etwa 100 Euro kosten.
The repair will cost about 100 euros.
etwa
about / approximately
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Meanings
etwa
really / by any chance
Used in a question to express surprise, doubt, or an assumption.
EXAMPLE
Willst du mir etwa sagen, dass du den Schlüssel verloren hast?
Are you really trying to tell me that you lost the key?
etwa
for example
Used to introduce an example; a more formal alternative to 'zum Beispiel' (for example).
EXAMPLE
Raubtiere, etwa Löwen und Tiger, jagen ihre Beute.
Predators, for example lions and tigers, hunt their prey.
Usage tips
Context clue: sentence type
The meaning of 'etwa' changes depending on the type of sentence. In a statement, it means 'ungefähr' (approximately). In a question, however, it often expresses surprise or doubt.
EXAMPLE
Die Reise dauert etwa zwei Stunden.
The trip takes about two hours.
Position with numbers
In the meaning of 'ungefähr' (approximately) or 'circa' (about), 'etwa' always stands directly before the number or quantity it refers to.
EXAMPLE
Das Gebäude ist etwa 50 Meter hoch.
The building is about 50 meters high.
Emotional coloring in questions
In a question, 'etwa' is not a neutral particle. It adds an undertone of disbelief, skepticism, or mild reproach to the question.
EXAMPLE
Hast du etwa gedacht, ich würde das vergessen?
Did you really think I would forget that?
Formal style
When 'etwa' is used to introduce an example, it has a rather formal and written style. This use is often found in informational texts or presentations.
EXAMPLE
Einige Säugetiere, etwa Wale und Delfine, leben im Wasser.
Some mammals, for example whales and dolphins, live in the water.
Compare with
etwa vs denn
because
Denn and etwa can give questions a tone of surprise or a particular conversational attitude. Denn is more closely connected to the current situation and asks for an explanation, while etwa expresses a surprised suspicion. Ask about the reason with denn and about a suspected possibility with etwa.
etwa
Du wirkst so traurig, hast du etwa die Prüfung vergessen?
You seem so sad. Did you happen to forget the exam?
denn
Du wirkst so traurig, was ist denn passiert?
You seem so sad. What happened?
In real life
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