01
ungefähr
approximately
Not exact, but only estimated or approximate.
example
Die Reparatur wird ungefähr 200 Euro kosten.
The repair will cost approximately 200 euros.
ungefähr
approximately
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word order
The adverb 'ungefähr' (approximately) normally stands directly before the number, quantity, or time expression that it makes inexact.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin in ungefähr zehn Minuten bei dir.
I'll be with you in approximately ten minutes.
Fixed expression
The expression 'von ungefähr' (by chance) is almost always negated: 'nicht von ungefähr kommen' (not to come by chance). This means that something has a good reason and is not a coincidence.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Beförderung kommt nicht von ungefähr; sie hat sehr hart gearbeitet.
Her promotion didn't come by chance; she worked very hard.
Word structure
The word is made up of 'un-' and 'Gefahr' (danger). Although today it means 'geschätzt' (estimated), the original idea was 'without danger.' This origin helps explain why it refers to an estimate that is considered safe or plausible.
EXAMPLE
Ich weiß nicht genau, wie viele Leute kommen, aber es werden ungefähr fünfzig sein.
I don't know exactly how many people are coming, but it will be approximately fifty.
Compare with
ungefähr vs um
at / around / in order to
'um' and 'ungefähr' can both express that a time, amount, or number is not completely exact. 'um' usually comes directly before a time or number, for example 'um zehn Uhr' (around ten o'clock) or 'um die 50 Euro' (around 50 euros). 'ungefähr' is more flexible and can come before numbers and amounts, or be used in whole statements. In many everyday situations, both mean almost the same thing. However, 'ungefähr' sounds clearer when you want to say in general that something is only estimated.
ungefähr
Wir brauchen ungefähr eine Stunde bis zu meinen Eltern.
We need about an hour to get to my parents' place.
um
Die Reparatur kostet um die 80 Euro.
The repair costs around 80 euros.
In real life
Loading video examples...