01
offenkundig
obvious
So clear and evident that it is easy for everyone to recognize or understand; obvious.
example
Es war offenkundig, dass er mit der Situation überfordert war.
It was obvious that he was overwhelmed by the situation.
offenkundig
obvious
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'offen' (open) and 'kundig' (knowledgeable/known). 'Kundig' derives from 'Kunde' (news, knowledge). Something that is 'offenkundig' (obvious) is therefore 'openly known' or visible to everyone.
EXAMPLE
Seine Freude über das Geschenk war offenkundig.
His joy about the gift was obvious.
Sentence position as an adverb
'Offenkundig' (obviously) can stand at the beginning of a sentence as an adverb to comment on the whole sentence. In this case, the verb follows directly in second position (inversion).
EXAMPLE
Offenkundig hatte niemand die Anweisungen gelesen.
Obviously, no one had read the instructions.
Register
'Offenkundig' (obvious) belongs more to written language or more formal usage. It often sounds somewhat elevated or emphasizes clarity more strongly.
EXAMPLE
Der Widerspruch in seiner Aussage ist offenkundig.
The contradiction in his statement is obvious.
Context clue
You can recognize the legal meaning from the context. When it is about a court, a trial, evidence, or a 'Tatsache' (fact), this special meaning is usually intended.
EXAMPLE
Dass Wasser bei null Grad gefriert, ist eine offenkundige Tatsache und muss nicht bewiesen werden.
That water freezes at zero degrees is an evident fact and does not need to be proven.
Compare with
offenkundig vs klar
clear
'klar' and 'offenkundig' both describe something that can be recognized or understood easily. 'klar' is more general and fits explanations, rules, answers, or situations. 'offenkundig' is stronger: something is so evident that basically everyone can see or understand it. It sounds somewhat more formal than 'klar'. In everyday speech, people often say 'Das ist klar' (That is clear). 'offenkundig' fits well when a fact is very obvious.
offenkundig
Es ist offenkundig, dass Daniel den Zug verpasst hat.
It is obvious that Daniel missed the train.
klar
Nach dem Gespräch ist mir klar, wann der Termin stattfindet.
After the conversation, it is clear to me when the appointment will take place.
In real life
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