ideally
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ideally
Expresses what would or should happen under the best possible or perfect circumstances. It describes a desired or optimal state.
Idealerweise sollten wir vor dem Mittagessen mit der Arbeit fertig sein.
Ideally, we should be finished with the work before lunch.
The word is derived from the adjective 'ideal' (ideal). The ending '-erweise' is a typical way of forming adverbs from adjectives that describe a particular manner.
Normalerweise beginnt der Unterricht um 8 Uhr, aber heute fangen wir später an.
Normally, class begins at 8 o'clock, but today we are starting later.
When 'idealerweise' (ideally) stands at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the conjugated verb follows directly afterward in position 2. The subject then comes in third place.
Idealerweise treffen wir uns um 10 Uhr vor dem Museum.
Ideally, we will meet at 10 o'clock in front of the museum.
'Idealerweise' (ideally) is often used with the Konjunktiv II. This emphasizes that the described situation is a wish or a purely theoretical possibility, not reality.
Idealerweise hätten wir mehr Zeit für dieses Projekt.
Ideally, we would have more time for this project.
at best
'bestenfalls' and 'idealerweise' both talk about a particularly good case. The difference is the expectation. 'bestenfalls' often sounds cautious or rather negative: you do not expect much and are saying what is possible at most. 'idealerweise', on the other hand, describes what would be best or what you would like to happen. It sounds more like a plan or goal. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with the best case. Memory tip: 'bestenfalls' often means 'at most' or 'at best', while 'idealerweise' means more like 'if everything goes perfectly'.
Idealerweise schickst du mir die Unterlagen bis morgen Mittag.
Ideally, you'll send me the documents by tomorrow at noon.
Bei dem starken Verkehr kommen wir bestenfalls zehn Minuten zu früh an.
With this heavy traffic, we'll arrive ten minutes early at best.