01
offenbar
apparently
Expresses an assumption based on clear signs; apparently, seemingly.
example
Das Licht ist an, also ist offenbar jemand zu Hause.
The light is on, so apparently someone is at home.
offenbar
apparently / obvious
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is composed of 'offen' (open) and the suffix '-bar' (-able). It literally means that something lies 'open' and is therefore visible or recognizable to everyone.
EXAMPLE
Die Lösung des Problems war nach langem Nachdenken plötzlich offenbar.
After long reflection, the solution to the problem suddenly became obvious.
Context clue
The most common use is as an adverb that expresses an assumption. In this case, 'offenbar' is not declined. You can recognize the rarer adjectival use by the fact that the word is declined before a noun.
EXAMPLE
Er ist offenbar nicht mit dem Ergebnis zufrieden.
He is apparently not satisfied with the result.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'offenbar' can stand in position 1, which moves the verb into second position. But it can also stand in the middle of the sentence, usually after the conjugated verb.
EXAMPLE
Offenbar hat er den Zug verpasst.
Apparently he missed the train.
Register
The use as a declined adjective before a noun is rare and belongs more to written language or a formal style. This form is hardly used in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Trotz seines offenbaren Desinteresses musste er bleiben.
Despite his obvious lack of interest, he had to stay.
Compare with
offenbar vs wohl
probably / well
'wohl' and 'offenbar' can both express an assumption. The difference lies in what the assumption is based on. 'wohl' generally says that something is probable. 'offenbar' is used more when there are clear signs and you draw a conclusion from them. Learners may confuse the words because both express less than 100% certainty. If you are only making a cautious guess, 'wohl' fits. If something can be clearly recognized from a situation, 'offenbar' fits better.
offenbar
Die Lehrerin ist offenbar krank, denn der Unterricht fällt heute aus.
The teacher is apparently sick, because class is canceled today.
wohl
Nach dem Essen ist meine Mutter wohl zu müde für das Training.
After the meal, my mother is probably too tired for training.
In real life
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