optionally / alternatively
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optionally
Indicating that one of several possibilities is available to choose from; optionally or alternatively.
Das Gericht wird wahlweise mit Reis oder Kartoffeln serviert.
The dish is served optionally with rice or potatoes.
The adverb 'wahlweise' (optionally/alternatively) is made up of the noun 'die Wahl' (the choice) and the ending '-weise'. The ending '-weise' forms adverbs and means 'in the manner of,' so literally 'in the manner of a choice.'
Sie haben die Wahl zwischen zwei verschiedenen Desserts.
You have the choice between two different desserts.
'Wahlweise' (optionally) can be placed flexibly in a sentence. It can stand at the beginning of the sentence in position 1 (then the verb follows), or inside the sentence, usually directly before the options it describes.
Wahlweise können Sie bar oder mit Karte zahlen.
Optionally, you can pay in cash or by card.
This word is very commonly used in contexts where options are offered. You often find it on menus, in instructions, on forms, or in product descriptions.
Zum Frühstück gibt es wahlweise Kaffee oder Tee.
For breakfast, there is optionally coffee or tea.
voluntary
'freiwillig' and 'wahlweise' both have to do with something not being strictly forced. The difference is in the focus. 'freiwillig' says that someone does something of their own free will, without pressure and usually without obligation. 'wahlweise' says that you can choose between several options. Learners may confuse the words because both are often connected to 'optional'. In practice: when it is about your own decision to do something, 'freiwillig' fits. When it is about different options being offered, 'wahlweise' fits.
Im Kurs kann man die Aufgabe wahlweise allein oder zu zweit bearbeiten.
In the course, you can choose to do the task either alone or in pairs.
Paula hilft freiwillig beim Pflanzen der neuen Bäume im Garten.
Paula voluntarily helps plant the new trees in the garden.