01
häufig
frequent
Recurring at short intervals or often; happening many times.
example
Er stellt während des Unterrichts häufig Fragen.
He frequently asks questions during class.
häufig
frequent
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word family 'Haufen'
The word 'häufig' (frequent/often) is related to 'der Haufen' (a large amount/pile). It describes that something occurs in large numbers or often, in other words 'haufenweise' (in heaps/lots).
EXAMPLE
Technische Probleme sind ein häufiger Grund für Verspätungen.
Technical problems are a frequent reason for delays.
As an adverb in a sentence
As an adverb, 'häufig' (frequently/often) usually stands in the middle of the sentence, often after the conjugated verb and the subject. It describes how often an action takes place.
EXAMPLE
Wir gehen häufig im Park spazieren.
We often go for walks in the park.
Use of comparison
The comparative forms 'häufiger' (more often) and 'am häufigsten' (most often) are often used as adverbs to compare frequencies. 'Am häufigsten' often stands in the middle of the sentence or at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.
EXAMPLE
Seit er näher an der Arbeit wohnt, kommt er häufiger mit dem Fahrrad.
Since he has lived closer to work, he comes by bike more often.
Compare with
häufig vs viel
much / a lot
'viel' and 'häufig' can both describe that something happens often. But 'viel' is broader: it can also mean a large amount or strong intensity. 'häufig' is more precise when an action happens again and again or occurs at short intervals. Learners confuse the words because sometimes you can say both, for example 'Ich fahre viel Zug' and 'Ich fahre häufig Zug' (I travel by train a lot / frequently). 'häufig' sounds more precise for repetition, while 'viel' sounds more general and more everyday.
häufig
Daniel sieht im Garten häufig kleine Vögel.
Daniel often sees small birds in the garden.
viel
Der Fahrer ist diese Woche viel unterwegs.
The driver is on the road a lot this week.
In real life
Loading video examples...