self-evident / of course
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self-evident
So clear and normal that you do not need to talk about it or explain it; obvious and expected.
Es ist selbstverständlich, dass man älteren Menschen im Bus seinen Platz anbietet.
It is self-evident that you offer your seat to older people on the bus.
of course
Used as a response particle to agree emphatically; means 'naturally' or 'yes, of course.'
Könntest du mir kurz helfen? – Selbstverständlich!
Could you help me for a moment? – Of course!
The word is composed of 'selbst' (self) and 'verständlich' (understandable, from 'verstehen' (to understand)). The literal meaning is therefore that something 'sich von selbst versteht' (is understood by itself) and therefore needs no explanation.
Dass man pünktlich ist, sollte sich von selbst verstehen.
That one is punctual should be understood as a matter of course.
As a standalone response, 'Selbstverständlich!' (Of course!) expresses strong, polite agreement. It is a clear and positive way to say 'Ja, natürlich!' (Yes, of course!).
Bringst du mir einen Kaffee mit? – Selbstverständlich!
Will you bring me a coffee? – Of course!
In the meaning 'offensichtlich' (obvious), the word is often used in the structure 'Es ist selbstverständlich, dass ...' (It is self-evident that ...). This is followed by a subordinate clause describing what is normally expected.
Es ist selbstverständlich, dass man seine Hausaufgaben macht.
It is self-evident that you do your homework.
'Selbstverständlich' (of course / naturally) can also appear as an adverb within a sentence. It then emphasizes that an action happens as expected or naturally.
Er hat mir selbstverständlich bei meinem Umzug geholfen.
He naturally helped me with my move.
natural / of course
Natürlich and selbstverständlich can express agreement or an expected response. Selbstverständlich emphasizes more strongly that the answer goes without saying, which can make it sound more formal or defensive. Natürlich usually sounds more neutral, especially in a direct response to a request.
Auf die Bitte, die Tür zu schließen, sagte er selbstverständlich sofort zu.
When asked to close the door, he naturally agreed immediately.
Auf die Bitte, die Tür zu schließen, sagte er natürlich sofort zu.
When asked to close the door, he of course agreed immediately.
