Expresses that something is very likely, but not completely certain. It is based on an assumption or evidence.
example
Er ist nicht ans Telefon gegangen, er ist vermutlich schon auf dem Weg.
He didn't answer the phone; he's presumably already on his way.
Usage tips
Word family
'Vermutlich' is derived from the verb 'vermuten' (to assume/suspect) and the noun 'die Vermutung' (the assumption/suspicion). It expresses that you assume something or consider it likely, but you do not have one hundred percent certainty.
EXAMPLE
Ich vermute, dass der Zug Verspätung hat.
I suspect that the train is delayed.
Word order
'Vermutlich' can stand in different places in the sentence. If it stands in position 1, the conjugated verb follows directly. If it stands inside the sentence, it usually comes after the conjugated verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Vermutlich kommt sie heute nicht mehr.
Presumably, she won't come anymore today.
Register and style
'Vermutlich' is used in written language and in polished everyday speech. It signals that the assumption is based on evidence or reasoning and is not just pure guessing.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei geht davon aus, dass der Täter vermutlich ein Komplize war.
The police assume that the perpetrator was presumably an accomplice.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
vermutlich vs wohl
probably / well
'wohl' and 'vermutlich' both mean that something is likely, but not completely certain. 'vermutlich' sounds a bit more factual and works well when you derive an assumption from information or signs. 'wohl' is often shorter and very natural in conversation; it can also express a personal assessment. The words can be confused because both show that there is no full certainty. In practical terms: 'vermutlich' feels a bit more precise and neutral, while 'wohl' feels more everyday and softer.
vermutlich
Das Kind ist vermutlich müde, weil die Reise sehr lang war.
The child is presumably tired because the journey was very long.
wohl
Die Fahrerin kennt den Weg wohl nicht so gut.
The driver probably doesn't know the way very well.