in a sense
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in a sense
Expresses that a statement is not literally true, but applies only in a particular sense or to a certain degree. It means something like 'in a certain way' or 'so to speak.'
Er ist gewissermaßen der Chef des Projekts, auch wenn er nicht den offiziellen Titel hat.
He is, in a sense, the head of the project, even though he does not have the official title.
The adverb 'gewissermaßen' (in a sense) developed from 'gewisser Maßen', which literally means 'to a certain degree.' It signals that a statement is not absolute, but applies only in a limited way or in a figurative sense.
Sie ist gewissermaßen die Seele unseres Teams.
She is, in a sense, the soul of our team.
'Gewissermaßen' (in a sense) often stands at the beginning of a sentence (position 1), followed by the verb. However, it can also stand after the verb and the subject in the middle of the sentence in order to modify a particular part of the sentence.
Gewissermaßen hatte er mit seiner Kritik recht.
In a sense, he was right with his criticism.
This adverb belongs more to polished written and spoken language. It often sounds somewhat considered or detached and is used to soften or clarify a statement.
Damit war das Projekt gewissermaßen schon beendet.
With that, the project was, in a sense, already finished.
virtually / practically
Both words show that a statement applies only in a particular way or is not entirely literal. Quasi sounds noticeably more colloquial and can also suggest “almost” or “practically,” while gewissermaßen sounds more neutral and cautious. Quasi is therefore more suitable in casual everyday speech.
Mit seinem großen Schreibtisch ist das kleine Zimmer gewissermaßen ein Büro.
With its large desk, the small room is, in a sense, an office.
Mit seinem großen Schreibtisch ist das kleine Zimmer quasi ein Büro.
With its large desk, the small room is practically an office.
