wohl
probably
Expresses an assumption or a high probability; in the sense of 'probably', 'presumably'.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist noch nicht da, sie wird wohl im Stau stehen.
She isn't here yet; she's probably stuck in traffic.
wohl
probably / well
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Meanings
sich wohl fühlen
to feel well
A state of physical and emotional well-being; to feel good and comfortable.
EXAMPLE
In meiner neuen Wohnung fühle ich mich sehr wohl.
I feel very comfortable in my new apartment.
wohl
indeed
Used to make a concessive or confirming statement, often in contrast to a following limitation; in the sense of 'admittedly', 'indeed'.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ihm wohl gesagt, er soll vorsichtig sein, aber er hat nicht gehört.
I did tell him to be careful, but he didn't listen.
wohl oder übel
for better or worse
Means that you have to do something whether you want to or not; out of necessity.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen die Entscheidung wohl oder übel akzeptieren.
We have to accept the decision, for better or worse.
Usage tips
Word family
The adverb 'wohl' is closely related to the noun 'das Wohl' (well-being, good). This connection helps you understand the basic positive meaning in expressions like 'sich wohl fühlen' (to feel well/comfortable).
EXAMPLE
Für das Wohl seiner Kinder würde er alles tun.
He would do anything for the well-being of his children.
Word order with assumptions
When 'wohl' expresses an assumption, it usually comes directly after the conjugated verb. It softens the statement and shows that the speaker is not completely sure.
EXAMPLE
Der Schlüssel ist nicht hier, ich habe ihn wohl zu Hause vergessen.
The key isn't here; I probably forgot it at home.
Fixed combination
The meaning 'to feel good' is used with 'wohl' almost exclusively in the fixed combination with the reflexive verb 'sich fühlen' (to feel). You cannot say 'Ich bin wohl' for 'I am well.'
EXAMPLE
Nach einem langen Spaziergang in der Natur fühle ich mich richtig wohl.
After a long walk in nature, I feel really good.
Context clue
In this meaning, 'wohl' introduces a contrast and is often followed by an 'aber' (but) in the second part of the sentence. It then has a similar function to 'zwar' (admittedly/although).
EXAMPLE
Er ist wohl ein guter Sportler, aber als Teamspieler ist er ungeeignet.
He is indeed a good athlete, but he is unsuitable as a team player.
Fixed expression
The expression 'wohl oder übel' (for better or worse) is a fixed idiom. It means that you have no choice and must accept or do something, whether you like it or not.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss die Überstunden wohl oder übel machen, auch wenn ich müde bin.
I have to do the overtime, for better or worse, even though I'm tired.
Compare with
gutvielleichtetwazwarallerdingswahrscheinlichvermutlichoffenbarbloßgesundanscheinendeventuellwomöglichfreilichvoraussichtlichheimischhöchstwahrscheinlichWohlergehen
wohl vs gut
good
Gut and wohl can both describe a pleasant state when used with sich fühlen. Gut gives a generally positive assessment of someone’s physical or emotional well-being; wohl emphasizes more strongly that someone feels comfortable and at ease. Gut fits a general improvement, while wohl is especially suitable for personal comfort.
wohl
In dem ruhigen Zimmer fühlt Lea sich wohl.
Lea feels comfortable in the quiet room.
gut
Nach der Behandlung fühlt Lea sich wieder gut.
After the treatment, Lea feels well again.
In real life
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