however / of course
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however
An adverb that expresses a limitation or contrast; similar to 'allerdings' (however) or 'jedoch' (however).
Das Konzert war gut, freilich hätte es etwas lauter sein können.
The concert was good; however, it could have been a bit louder.
of course
An affirmative answer meaning 'yes, of course' or 'certainly'. Today it is considered somewhat old-fashioned or regional.
„Hilfst du uns beim Umzug?“ – „Freilich!“
"Will you help us move?" — "Of course!"
The two meanings can be easily distinguished by sentence structure. If 'freilich' stands alone as an answer to a question, it means 'yes, of course'. If it is integrated into a sentence, it usually means 'however'.
„Kommst du später mit ins Kino?“ – „Freilich!“
"Are you coming to the cinema with us later?" — "Of course!"
When 'freilich' (however) stands at the beginning of a sentence to express a limitation, it occupies the first position. The conjugated verb then moves directly into the second position.
Freilich ist das Auto schön, aber es verbraucht zu viel Benzin.
Of course, the car is beautiful, but it uses too much gas.
The affirmative answer 'Freilich!' (of course!) is often perceived as somewhat old-fashioned today. In southern Germany and Austria, however, this use is still common in everyday speech.
„Darf ich mir ein Stück Kuchen nehmen?“ – „Freilich, bedien dich!“
"May I take a piece of cake?" — "Of course, help yourself!"
probably / well
Wohl and freilich can initially concede a point and then introduce a limitation. Wohl usually sounds more restrained and less emphatic, whereas freilich marks this contrast more clearly and is somewhat more formal. In a neutral conversation, wohl is often suitable; in an explicitly argumentative formulation, freilich is more likely.
Der Plan ist freilich gut, aber für unsere kleine Gruppe zu teuer.
The plan is indeed good, but it is too expensive for our small group.
Der Plan ist wohl gut, aber für unsere kleine Gruppe zu teuer.
The plan is admittedly good, but it is too expensive for our small group.
