alleged / presumed
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alleged
Based on an assumption; probable, but not proven. The word is often used in legal or journalistic contexts to describe a fact that has not yet been established by a court.
Der mutmaßliche Täter wurde kurz nach der Tat festgenommen.
The alleged perpetrator was arrested shortly after the crime.
The word derives from 'Mut' (here in the old sense of 'thought' or 'assumption') and 'maßen' (to judge, estimate). 'Mutmaßlich' therefore literally means 'according to an assumption or estimate'.
Die Polizei geht von einer mutmaßlichen Brandstiftung aus.
The police assume it was alleged arson.
This word belongs to formal language and is used especially in news reports, police reports, and legal texts. It expresses that something has not yet been proven and that the presumption of innocence applies.
Die Zeitung berichtete über den mutmaßlichen Betrugsfall.
The newspaper reported on the alleged fraud case.
'Mutmaßlich' is very often used in combination with people or circumstances in a legal context. Typical phrases are 'der mutmaßliche Täter' (the alleged perpetrator), 'die mutmaßliche Ursache' (the presumed cause), or 'die mutmaßliche Schadenshöhe' (the estimated amount of damage).
Die mutmaßliche Todesursache war ein Herzinfarkt.
The presumed cause of death was a heart attack.
presumably
Vermutlich and mutmasslich describe something as likely but not certain. Vermutlich neutrally expresses an assumption or conclusion. Mutmasslich is often used in journalistic or legal texts to describe an attributed fact that has not yet been proven or established by a court.
Die Polizei nahm den mutmasslichen Dieb des zweiten Fahrrads fest.
The police arrested the alleged thief of the second bicycle.
Vermutlich hat derselbe Mann auch das zweite Fahrrad gestohlen.
Presumably, the same man also stole the second bicycle.
