approximately
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approximately
Expresses that a detail such as a number, amount, or time is not exact, but only approximate. It is an alternative spelling of 'circa' and a synonym of 'ungefähr' (approximately).
Die Fahrt zum Flughafen dauert zirka eine Stunde.
The trip to the airport takes approximately one hour.
'Zirka' (approximately) almost always comes directly before the number or quantity that it makes approximate. It modifies the word that immediately follows it.
Wir brauchen für die Party zirka 20 Flaschen Wasser.
We need approximately 20 bottles of water for the party.
'Zirka' (approximately) is used very often with times, amounts of money, distances, and other units of measurement to express an estimate.
Das Buch kostet zirka 30 Euro.
The book costs approximately 30 euros.
The spelling 'zirka' with 'z' is very common in German and is often used in everyday language and in more informal texts.
Für das Rezept benötigst du zirka 500 Gramm Mehl.
For the recipe, you need approximately 500 grams of flour.
about / approximately
Etwa and zirka can both give an approximate number or amount. Etwa is broader and can also introduce an example, whereas zirka only indicates that a figure is imprecise. Use zirka with numbers, and use etwa as well when you mean “zum Beispiel” (for example).
Für die Reise brauchen wir zirka drei Tage.
We need approximately three days for the trip.
Für die Reise brauchen wir etwa drei Tage, zum Beispiel für die Fahrt und die Besichtigungen.
We need about three days for the trip, for example for the journey and sightseeing.
