01
hoffentlich
hopefully
Expresses the hope or wish that something specific will happen.
example
Hoffentlich verpasse ich den Zug nicht.
Hopefully I won't miss the train.
hoffentlich
hopefully
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived directly from the verb 'hoffen' (to hope). The ending '-lich' turns it into an adverb that expresses hope, similar to how 'wahrscheinlich' (probably) comes from 'wahr scheinen' (to seem true).
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, du bist gesund. Hoffentlich bist du gesund.
I hope you are healthy. Hopefully you are healthy.
Word order
'Hoffentlich' (hopefully) can stand in two typical positions in the sentence. If it is in position 1, the conjugated verb follows directly after it. It can also stand after the verb within the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Hoffentlich ist das Wetter morgen gut.
Hopefully the weather will be good tomorrow.
As a short answer
'Hoffentlich' (hopefully) can also stand alone as a brief answer to a question to express a wish or hope.
EXAMPLE
„Wird dein Team heute gewinnen?“ – „Hoffentlich!“
"Will your team win today?" – "Hopefully!"
Compare with
hoffentlich vs nur
only
'nur' and 'hoffentlich' can both have to do with a wish, but only in a specific use. 'hoffentlich' directly says that you hope something will happen. 'nur' expresses this wish only in combinations like 'wenn nur ...' (if only ...) or 'wäre nur ...' (if only ... were ...). In those cases, the wish often sounds strong or impatient. They can be confused because both show hope in sentences like these. Outside this wish form, however, 'nur' usually means a limitation and not 'hopefully'.
hoffentlich
Morgen ist der Arzt hoffentlich wieder in der Praxis.
Hopefully the doctor will be back at the practice tomorrow.
nur
Wenn ihr nur rechtzeitig alle Daten für das Projekt geschickt hättet!
If only you had sent all the data for the project on time!
In real life
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