01
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
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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 sicher
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'möglich' can both express how you think about an event. The difference is the strength. 'sicher' means that you have no doubt or see something as almost certain. 'möglich' only means that something can happen or is conceivable, but is not certain. They are therefore opposites in terms of certainty: possible, but not sure. Learners confuse them because both can talk about the future or assumptions. If you want to express certainty, use 'sicher'. If you only want to mention a possibility, use 'möglich'.
möglich
Es ist möglich, dass der Kurs nächste Woche ausfällt.
It is possible that the course will be canceled next week.
sicher
Sie ist sicher, dass der Zug heute pünktlich kommt.
She is sure that the train will arrive on time today.
In real life
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