certainly
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certainly
Expresses a high probability or certainty. It is used to say that you consider something very likely or almost certain.
Das wird sicherlich eine Herausforderung, aber wir schaffen das.
That will certainly be a challenge, but we can do it.
The word 'sicherlich' (certainly) is derived from the adjective 'sicher' (sure/safe). The ending '-lich' turns it into an adverb that expresses a high degree of certainty.
Er hat viel gelernt, er wird die Prüfung sicherlich bestehen.
He studied a lot; he will certainly pass the exam.
'Sicherlich' (certainly) can stand in different positions in the sentence. If it stands at the beginning (position 1), the verb follows directly after it. However, it also often stands after the verb.
Sicherlich ist das eine gute Idee.
Certainly, that is a good idea.
When 'sicherlich' (certainly) stands at the beginning of a sentence and introduces a limitation, a conjunction such as 'aber' (but) or 'jedoch' (however) almost always follows in the second part of the sentence. This helps you recognize this special meaning.
Sicherlich, die Reise war teuer, aber sie hat sich absolut gelohnt.
Certainly, the trip was expensive, but it was absolutely worth it.
probably / well
'wohl' and 'sicherlich' can both express an assumption or a high probability. 'wohl' often sounds a bit more cautious and more conversational: you believe something, but are not completely sure. 'sicherlich' sounds stronger and somewhat more formal; it shows that you consider something very likely. Both can also introduce agreement with a limitation, roughly in the sense of 'admittedly'. They are easy to confuse because neither one has to express complete certainty. As a guide: for a cautious assumption, 'wohl' often fits; for a stronger confirmation, 'sicherlich' is more likely.
Die Klasse hat sich sicherlich gut auf die Prüfung vorbereitet.
The class has certainly prepared well for the exam.
Der Verkäufer hat wohl vergessen, die Rechnung einzupacken.
The salesperson probably forgot to pack the invoice.