potential
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potential
Expresses that something is possible or conceivable, but does not yet exist or has not yet happened. It describes an existing possibility or a hidden capacity.
Jeder Besucher der Webseite ist ein potenzieller Kunde.
Every visitor to the website is a potential customer.
'Potenziell' (potential) belongs to the word family of 'das Potenzial' (potential). If something is 'potenziell' (potential), it has 'Potenzial' (the possibility or ability) to become or do something.
Das junge Unternehmen hat großes Potenzial.
The young company has great potential.
'Potenziell' (potential/potentially) can stand before a noun as an adjective or be used as an adverb that describes a verb or another adjective. As an adverb, it remains unchanged and means something like 'möglicherweise' (possibly).
Wir haben eine Liste potenzieller Kandidaten erstellt.
We created a list of potential candidates.
As an adjective, 'potenziell' (potential) is often used to describe people or things that could take on a certain future role. Typical phrases are 'potenzieller Kunde' (potential customer), 'potenzieller Arbeitgeber' (potential employer), or 'potenzielle Gefahr' (potential danger).
Jeder Bewerber ist ein potenzieller neuer Mitarbeiter.
Every applicant is a potential new employee.
possibly
Möglicherweise expresses the uncertain assessment that something might become true or happen. Potenziell, by contrast, describes an existing possibility or ability that has not yet been realized. Use möglicherweise for a supposition and potenziell for conceivable developments based on existing prerequisites.
Maria ist wegen ihrer Erfahrung eine potenzielle Teamleiterin.
Because of her experience, Maria is a potential team leader.
Maria wird möglicherweise die nächste Teamleiterin.
Maria may be the next team leader.
