gelegentlich
occasionally
Sometimes, but not regularly; from time to time.
EXAMPLE
Wir gehen gelegentlich zusammen ins Kino, aber nicht jede Woche.
We occasionally go to the movies together, but not every week.
gelegentlich
occasionally
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Meanings
gelegentlich
on the occasion of
Happening because of a specific event or on a specific occasion. This use is rather formal.
EXAMPLE
Gelegentlich seines 80. Geburtstages wurde ein großes Fest veranstaltet.
On the occasion of his 80th birthday, a large celebration was held.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'gelegentlich' (occasionally) is derived from 'die Gelegenheit' (opportunity/occasion). So it describes something that happens when a suitable opportunity arises, and not according to a fixed plan.
EXAMPLE
Wenn sich eine Gelegenheit ergibt, besuche ich meine alte Heimatstadt.
When an opportunity arises, I visit my old hometown.
Sentence position
In the meaning 'manchmal' (sometimes), 'gelegentlich' (occasionally) is flexible. It can stand at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize frequency, or in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Gelegentlich gehe ich nach der Arbeit spazieren.
Occasionally, I go for a walk after work.
Genitive construction
In the formal meaning 'anlässlich' (on the occasion of), 'gelegentlich' (on the occasion of) takes the genitive. This structure is found almost only in written language, for example in official speeches or reports.
EXAMPLE
Gelegentlich des Firmenjubiläums wurde eine Feier für alle Mitarbeiter organisiert.
On the occasion of the company anniversary, a celebration was organized for all employees.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'anlässlich' (on the occasion of) by the fact that 'gelegentlich' (on the occasion of) stands directly before a noun in the genitive that names a specific event. The more common meaning 'manchmal' (sometimes), by contrast, refers to the frequency of an action.
EXAMPLE
Gelegentlich seiner Reise nach Berlin besuchte er auch das Brandenburger Tor.
On the occasion of his trip to Berlin, he also visited the Brandenburg Gate.
Compare with
gelegentlich vs manchmal
sometimes
Both words describe something that happens from time to time, but not regularly. „Manchmal“ is neutral and especially common in everyday speech. „Gelegentlich“ often sounds somewhat more formal and can suggest a lower frequency. In conversation, „manchmal“ is usually the better choice; „gelegentlich“ also works in more formal texts.
gelegentlich
Ich fahre gelegentlich mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit.
I occasionally ride my bike to work.
manchmal
Ich fahre manchmal mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit.
Sometimes I ride my bike to work.
In real life
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