sporadic
Loading your saved state.
sporadic
Occurring occasionally, irregularly, or only in isolated cases; not continuously or systematically.
Er meldet sich nur sporadisch, meistens einmal im Monat.
He only gets in touch sporadically, usually once a month.
'Sporadisch' (sporadically) is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out: irregularly. It then usually appears directly with the verb.
Wir sehen uns nur sporadisch, da wir in verschiedenen Städten wohnen.
We only see each other sporadically because we live in different cities.
Common combinations are 'sporadische Kontrollen' (sporadic checks), 'sporadischer Kontakt' (sporadic contact), or 'sporadische Regenschauer' (sporadic rain showers). It always describes something that does not happen continuously or according to plan.
Es gab nur sporadische Proteste gegen das neue Gesetz.
There were only sporadic protests against the new law.
The word 'sporadisch' (sporadic) belongs more to written language or a somewhat more elevated style. It sounds more formal and precise.
Die Stromversorgung in der Region fällt sporadisch aus.
The power supply in the region fails sporadically.
sometimes
'manchmal' and 'sporadisch' both say that something does not happen regularly or does not always happen. 'manchmal' is the normal everyday word and fits almost any situation. 'sporadisch' sounds somewhat more factual and emphasizes more strongly that something occurs only in isolated cases or irregularly. Learners may confuse the words because both express low frequency. In conversation, 'manchmal' is usually more natural; 'sporadisch' is more suitable in reports, with problems, or for irregular contact.
Die Internetverbindung fällt im Büro nur sporadisch aus.
The internet connection in the office only drops sporadically.
Im Zug lese ich manchmal ein Buch, wenn es ruhig ist.
On the train, I sometimes read a book when it is quiet.