möglich
possible
Describes that something can be done, achieved, or realized.
EXAMPLE
Ist es möglich, den Termin auf nächste Woche zu verschieben?
Is it possible to move the appointment to next week?
möglich
possible
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Meanings
möglich
possible
Expresses that something is conceivable or imaginable, but not certain.
EXAMPLE
Ein möglicher Grund für den Stau ist ein Unfall.
One possible reason for the traffic jam is an accident.
alles Mögliche
all sorts of things
A colloquial expression for 'many different things' or 'all kinds of things.'
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Flohmarkt verkauft er wirklich alles Mögliche.
At the flea market, he really sells all sorts of things.
wenn möglich
if possible
A polite formulation used to express that something is desirable but not absolutely required.
EXAMPLE
Bitte schicken Sie mir die Unterlagen, wenn möglich, noch heute zu.
Please send me the documents today, if possible.
Usage tips
Word family
'Möglich' (possible) belongs to the word family of 'mögen' (to like) and 'die Macht' (power). Its closest relative is 'die Möglichkeit' (possibility). When something is possible, the possibility for it exists.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt eine Möglichkeit, das Problem ohne große Kosten zu lösen.
There is a possibility of solving the problem without major costs.
The form 'möglichst'
The form 'möglichst' is a very common adverb that means 'as ... as possible.' It is placed before an adjective or another adverb to maximize a wish or requirement.
EXAMPLE
Bitte erledigen Sie diese Aufgabe möglichst bald.
Please complete this task as soon as possible.
Sentence structure with infinitive
To express that an action is achievable, the structure 'es ist möglich, ... zu + Infinitiv' (it is possible to + infinitive) is often used. This is a very common alternative to a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that).
EXAMPLE
Ist es möglich, hier mit Kreditkarte zu bezahlen?
Is it possible to pay by credit card here?
Fixed expression
In the colloquial expression 'alles Mögliche' (all sorts of things), the adjective 'möglich' (possible) is used as a noun and is therefore capitalized. It means 'many different things.'
EXAMPLE
In seiner Werkstatt findet man wirklich alles Mögliche.
In his workshop, you can really find all sorts of things.
Compare with
möglich vs wahrscheinlich
probable / likely
Möglich and wahrscheinlich both describe something that is not certain. Möglich only says that something can happen, while wahrscheinlich additionally expresses that you consider it more likely to happen. Use möglich for an open possibility and wahrscheinlich when your assessment clearly points toward it happening.
möglich
Es ist möglich, dass der Zug heute später kommt.
It is possible that the train will be late today.
wahrscheinlich
Es ist wahrscheinlich, dass der Zug heute später kommt.
It is likely that the train will be late today.
In real life
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