if necessary
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if necessary
Expresses that an action will only be carried out if it is absolutely necessary or if there is no other option; in an emergency.
Wir versuchen, es heute zu schaffen, notfalls arbeiten wir bis in die Nacht.
We'll try to get it done today; if necessary, we'll work late into the night.
The word is made up of 'Not' (need, emergency situation) and 'Fall' (case). So it literally means 'in case of need'.
Wir haben genug Wasser, notfalls reicht es für drei Tage.
We have enough water; if necessary, it will last for three days.
As an adverb, 'notfalls' (if necessary) can stand at the beginning of the sentence in position 1. In this case, the verb follows directly after it. It can also stand in the middle of the sentence.
Notfalls können wir bei meinen Eltern übernachten.
If necessary, we can stay overnight at my parents' place.
'Notfalls' (if necessary) describes an alternative course of action that is not the first choice, but serves as a solution if needed. It expresses a 'plan B'.
Das Auto ist kaputt, wir müssen notfalls den Zug nehmen.
The car is broken; if necessary, we'll have to take the train.
at most / possibly
Both words can express a limited possibility. „Allenfalls“ presents it as merely possible at most or as a cautious option, while „notfalls“ means that it is chosen only if it is truly necessary. Use „allenfalls“ for a plan with a backup option and „notfalls“ for a necessary alternative solution.
Notfalls nehmen wir den Bus, wenn keine andere Verbindung mehr fährt.
If necessary, we’ll take the bus when no other connection is running.
Allenfalls nehmen wir den Bus, falls der Zug ausfällt.
At most, we’ll take the bus if the train is canceled.
