die Möglichkeit
opportunity
An opportunity or chance to do something.
EXAMPLE
Haben wir die Möglichkeit, das Projekt noch zu ändern?
Do we have the opportunity to still change the project?
die Möglichkeit
possibility
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Meanings
die Möglichkeit
option
One of several conceivable options or alternatives.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt mehrere Möglichkeiten, dieses Problem zu lösen.
There are several options for solving this problem.
die Möglichkeit
means / resources
The entirety of the personal or financial means and resources available to someone. Often used in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Ein Hauskauf übersteigt im Moment unsere finanziellen Möglichkeiten.
Buying a house is beyond our financial means at the moment.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Möglichkeit' (possibility) is derived from the adjective 'möglich' (possible). The ending '-keit' is a typical way to form nouns from adjectives that describe a quality or state.
EXAMPLE
Es ist möglich, das Ticket online zu buchen.
It is possible to book the ticket online.
Sentence structure with infinitive
'Möglichkeit' (possibility) is very often used with an infinitive construction. The pattern is: 'die Möglichkeit haben/bieten/geben, etwas zu tun' (to have/offer/give the possibility to do something). The verb at the end of the sentence is then in the infinitive with 'zu'.
EXAMPLE
Ich hatte noch nicht die Möglichkeit, mit ihm zu sprechen.
I have not yet had the opportunity to speak with him.
Typical collocations
When 'Möglichkeit' (opportunity) describes a chance, it is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'eine Möglichkeit nutzen' (to use an opportunity), 'eine Möglichkeit ergreifen' (to seize an opportunity), or 'eine Möglichkeit verpassen' (to miss an opportunity).
EXAMPLE
Du solltest diese einmalige Möglichkeit ergreifen und dich bewerben.
You should seize this unique opportunity and apply.
Context clue
When several options are involved, 'Möglichkeit' (option) is often in the plural and accompanied by words like 'verschiedene' (various), 'mehrere' (several), or 'zwei' (two). This is how you can tell that alternatives are meant.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben verschiedene Möglichkeiten, um nach Berlin zu reisen.
We have various options for traveling to Berlin.
Plural context clue
In the meaning of 'resources', the word is almost always used in the plural. An adjective usually specifies what kind of means are meant, e.g. 'finanzielle Möglichkeiten' (financial means) or 'persönliche Möglichkeiten' (personal resources).
EXAMPLE
Die Renovierung übersteigt unsere finanziellen Möglichkeiten.
The renovation is beyond our financial means.
Compare with
Möglichkeit vs Chance
chance / opportunity
Both words refer to an option to do something specific. „Möglichkeit“ neutrally describes the fact that an action is open to someone, while „Chance“ additionally emphasizes a favorable prospect of achieving a desired result. If you are talking only about what is possible, „Möglichkeit“ is suitable; when there is a positive prospect of success, „Chance“ is more appropriate.
Möglichkeit
Mit diesem Kurs habe ich die Möglichkeit, die Prüfung noch zu bestehen.
With this course, I have the option of still passing the exam.
Chance
Mit diesem Kurs habe ich eine gute Chance, die Prüfung noch zu bestehen.
With this course, I have a good chance of still passing the exam.
In real life
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