01
vielleicht
maybe
Expresses a possibility or uncertainty; in the sense of 'possibly', 'perhaps', 'maybe'.
example
Vielleicht regnet es morgen, ich bin nicht sicher.
Maybe it will rain tomorrow; I'm not sure.
vielleicht
maybe
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word order
The position of 'vielleicht' (maybe) is flexible. If it stands at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the verb follows immediately. If it stands within the sentence, it does not change the normal word order.
EXAMPLE
Vielleicht kommt er später.
Maybe he'll come later.
Polite questions
In questions, 'vielleicht' (perhaps) makes a request or question more indirect and polite. Here it does not necessarily express uncertainty, but rather is a sign of tact.
EXAMPLE
Hätten Sie vielleicht einen Moment Zeit für mich?
Would you perhaps have a moment for me?
Emphasis and emotion
In an exclamation, 'vielleicht' expresses strong emotions such as surprise or annoyance. The stress then falls strongly on 'vielleicht', and the sentence often ends with an exclamation mark.
EXAMPLE
Du hast schon wieder den Müll nicht rausgebracht! Das ist vielleicht eine Unverschämtheit!
You forgot to take out the trash again! That really is outrageous!
Compare with
vielleicht vs aber
but
'aber' and 'vielleicht' can both express a strong reaction in exclamations. In sentences like these, they do not have the normal meaning of a contrast or a real possibility. 'aber' directly emphasizes the statement, often with surprise or annoyance. 'vielleicht' can also add strong emphasis in exclamations, but it often sounds especially colloquial and emotional. Learners may confuse them because both can appear in sentences like 'Das ist aber/vielleicht laut!' (That really is loud!). For neutral contrasts, use 'aber'; for uncertainty, use 'vielleicht'. In exclamations, both can add emphasis.
vielleicht
Du bist vielleicht blass, leg dich lieber kurz hin.
You really are pale; you'd better lie down for a bit.
aber
Beim Arzt dauert das heute aber lange!
It's really taking a long time at the doctor's today!
In real life
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