01
irgendwie
somehow
In an indefinite, not exactly known way.
example
Wir müssen es irgendwie schaffen, den Zug noch zu erreichen.
We have to somehow manage to still catch the train.
irgendwie
somehow
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Irgendwie' (somehow) consists of the prefix 'irgend-' and the question word 'wie' (how). The prefix 'irgend-' makes the question word indefinite and means 'in some not further specified way'.
EXAMPLE
Ich fühle mich heute irgendwie nicht gut.
I somehow don't feel well today.
Word order
'Irgendwie' (somehow) as an adverb usually stands in the middle of the sentence, often after the conjugated verb and the subject. It can refer to the verb or to the whole sentence.
EXAMPLE
Wir werden das Problem irgendwie lösen müssen.
We will somehow have to solve the problem.
Register and style
In the meaning of 'somewhat' or 'sort of', 'irgendwie' (somehow) is used very frequently in spoken language. It expresses uncertainty or softens a statement.
EXAMPLE
Ich finde seine Reaktion irgendwie übertrieben.
I find his reaction somehow exaggerated.
Compare with
irgendwie vs etwas
something / somewhat
'etwas' and 'irgendwie' can both be vague, but they fit different questions. 'etwas' usually means an unspecified thing, or as an adverb it means 'a little'. 'irgendwie' describes an unspecified way of doing something or a vague feeling. Learners may confuse the words because both often show that you do not want to be, or cannot be, exact. A simple guide is: 'etwas' is more likely to answer 'What?' or 'How much?', while 'irgendwie' is more likely to answer 'How?'.
irgendwie
Mein Kollege erklärt die Aufgabe irgendwie anders als die Lehrerin.
My colleague explains the task somehow differently from the teacher.
etwas
Vor der Prüfung bin ich etwas nervös.
Before the exam, I am somewhat nervous.
In real life
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