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A2 adverb #1,200 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

ungefähr

Top 1,200

At the A1 beginner level, the word 'ungefähr' is introduced as a fundamental tool for basic survival communication. Beginners often lack the vocabulary to express exact details, making approximation essential. You will learn to use this word primarily with numbers, prices, and time. For example, when shopping, you might not understand the exact cents, but knowing something costs 'ungefähr fünf Euro' helps you manage your money. When asking for the time, saying it is 'ungefähr drei Uhr' is much easier than expressing exact minutes. The grammatical structure at this level is kept very simple: the word is placed directly before the number it modifies. Teachers emphasize its pronunciation, particularly the 'f' sound, to ensure clarity. By mastering this single word early on, A1 learners can significantly expand their communicative range, allowing them to participate in basic exchanges about quantities and schedules without needing absolute precision. It is a confidence-building word that bridges the gap between knowing a few numbers and being able to describe the world around you in practical, everyday terms.

At the A2 elementary level, the usage of 'ungefähr' expands significantly beyond simple numbers. Learners begin to use it to describe distances, durations, and physical attributes. You will construct more complex sentences, such as 'Der Bahnhof ist ungefähr zwei Kilometer entfernt' (The station is about two kilometers away) or 'Ich brauche ungefähr eine Stunde' (I need about an hour). At this stage, the word becomes crucial for narrating daily routines and making plans with others. You also start to recognize its synonyms, like 'etwa', though 'ungefähr' remains the primary focus. The grammatical placement becomes more intuitive, and learners practice using it with various prepositions, such as 'in ungefähr zehn Minuten'. It is also introduced in the context of describing people, like 'Er ist ungefähr so groß wie ich' (He is about as tall as I am). This level focuses on making your German sound more natural and less rigid, and using approximations is a key part of that process. It allows for smoother conversations where exact facts are not strictly necessary.

At the B1 intermediate level, 'ungefähr' is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary, used spontaneously and accurately in a wide variety of contexts. You will use it to express opinions, make estimations about abstract concepts, and recount past events where exact details are fuzzy. For instance, 'Es gab ungefähr hundert Leute auf dem Konzert' (There were about a hundred people at the concert). At this level, you are expected to understand the nuances between 'ungefähr', 'etwa', and 'circa', choosing the appropriate word based on the formality of the situation. You will also encounter it frequently in authentic reading and listening materials, such as news reports or podcasts, where it is used to report unverified data. The focus shifts from merely learning the word to using it as a rhetorical device to soften statements or indicate uncertainty. You might say, 'Das ist ungefähr das, was ich meinte' (That is roughly what I meant), showing a higher level of conversational flexibility and a deeper understanding of German pragmatic communication.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the application of 'ungefähr' becomes highly nuanced and sophisticated. Learners use it effortlessly in professional and academic discussions to present estimates, discuss statistics, and analyze trends. You will combine it with complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or subjunctive mood. For example, 'Es wird geschätzt, dass ungefähr die Hälfte der Teilnehmer zustimmen würde' (It is estimated that approximately half of the participants would agree). At this stage, you are acutely aware of the register and tone, knowing when to use 'ungefähr' versus more formal terms like 'annähernd' or 'schätzungsweise'. You also use it in idiomatic expressions and colloquial speech to sound completely natural. The word is no longer just a tool for numbers; it is a vital part of expressing degrees of accuracy and managing the flow of complex information. You can debate, negotiate, and hypothesize using approximations confidently, demonstrating a strong command of the language's subtleties.

At the C1 advanced level, the word 'ungefähr' is utilized with native-like precision and rhetorical flair. You employ it not just for factual estimation, but to deliberately downplay or emphasize points in complex arguments. It appears in high-level academic writing, literature, and sophisticated discourse. You understand its etymological roots and how it interacts with the broader semantic field of approximation in German. At this level, you might use it to express a vague conceptual similarity, such as 'Ihre philosophischen Ansätze sind ungefähr deckungsgleich' (Their philosophical approaches are roughly congruent). You are entirely comfortable with all its synonyms and can switch between them effortlessly to avoid repetition and maintain a high stylistic standard. The word is integrated seamlessly into long, complex sentences without disrupting the rhythm or grammatical integrity. You also recognize its subtle use in irony or understatement, showcasing a profound mastery of German pragmatics and cultural communication styles.

At the C2 mastery level, your use of 'ungefähr' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You wield it with absolute grammatical perfection across all possible contexts, from the most informal slang to the most rigorous academic prose. You understand the microscopic nuances that separate it from every other word of approximation in the German lexicon. At this stage, you might analyze its usage in historical texts or literary criticism, recognizing how authors use it to create specific atmospheres of uncertainty or generalization. You can effortlessly generate complex, multi-clause sentences where 'ungefähr' modifies highly abstract concepts. For example, 'Die sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen dieser Politik entsprechen ungefähr den Prognosen der frühen neunziger Jahre' (The socioeconomic impacts of this policy correspond roughly to the projections of the early nineties). Your command of the word is total, reflecting a deep, intuitive, and comprehensive understanding of the German language in all its complexity and richness.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

ungefähr en 30 secondes

Means 'approximately' or 'about'.
Used with numbers, time, and money.
Placed directly before the quantity.
Very common in everyday spoken German.

The German word ungefähr is an incredibly versatile and frequently used adverb that translates to 'approximately', 'about', or 'roughly' in English. It is an essential component of everyday communication, allowing speakers to convey estimations, general ideas, and non-exact measurements. When you are not entirely sure about a specific number, time, distance, or quantity, this word becomes your best friend. In both casual conversations and formal settings, people rely on it to provide information that is close to the truth without committing to absolute precision. Understanding how to use this word effectively will significantly enhance your ability to sound natural and fluent in German. It bridges the gap between uncertainty and helpful information, ensuring that conversations flow smoothly even when exact details are unavailable. The concept of approximation is universal, but the specific nuances of how Germans employ this term can vary depending on the context. For instance, when discussing prices, travel times, or the number of attendees at an event, using this adverb signals to the listener that the provided figure is an estimate subject to minor variations. This flexibility makes it a cornerstone of A2-level vocabulary, empowering learners to express themselves more dynamically. Furthermore, mastering its usage helps in comprehending native speakers who frequently use it to soften statements or avoid being overly rigid. As you delve deeper into the German language, you will notice that this word often pairs with numbers, quantities, and time expressions, forming predictable and easy-to-learn patterns. By integrating it into your active vocabulary, you will not only improve your speaking skills but also your listening comprehension, as you will quickly recognize when a native speaker is giving an approximation rather than a hard fact. Let us explore some practical examples and structural patterns to solidify your understanding of this indispensable adverb.

Usage with Time: Used to estimate hours, minutes, or days when the exact duration is unknown.

Usage with Money: Frequently applied when guessing or recalling the price of an item roughly.

Usage with Distance: Helpful for describing how far away a location is without checking a map.

Es dauert ungefähr zehn Minuten.

Das Buch kostet ungefähr zwanzig Euro.

Wir sind ungefähr gleich alt.

Der Bahnhof ist ungefähr zwei Kilometer entfernt.

Es waren ungefähr hundert Leute auf der Party.

Constructing sentences with the German adverb ungefähr is straightforward once you grasp its typical position within a clause. Because it functions primarily to modify quantities, measurements, or degrees, it is almost always placed immediately preceding the numerical value or the adjective it modifies. This structural predictability is a significant advantage for learners, as it eliminates much of the guesswork associated with German word order. For example, if you want to say 'about five people', you simply say 'ungefähr fünf Personen'. The adverb tightly binds to the phrase it estimates. In sentences with auxiliary verbs or modal verbs, the standard rules of German syntax apply, but the adverb remains glued to its target quantity. It is also possible, though slightly less common, to place it at the very beginning of a sentence for emphasis, such as 'Ungefähr zehn Euro habe ich bezahlt' (About ten euros is what I paid). However, the standard subject-verb-adverb-quantity order is the most reliable pattern to master first. Another interesting syntactic feature is its use with adjectives to mean 'roughly', as in 'ungefähr gleich' (roughly the same). This demonstrates that its utility extends beyond mere numbers into the realm of qualitative comparisons. When writing or speaking, paying attention to these placement rules will ensure your German sounds authentic and grammatically correct. Furthermore, understanding how this word interacts with prepositions is crucial. For instance, you can say 'in ungefähr einer Stunde' (in about an hour), where the preposition precedes the adverb. This combination of preposition, adverb of estimation, and time phrase is a highly frequent pattern in everyday scheduling and planning. By practicing these various sentence structures, you will build a robust intuitive sense for where this word belongs, allowing you to generate complex, nuanced sentences with ease and confidence. Let us examine several specific structural examples to illustrate these grammatical principles in action.

Before Numbers: The most common position is directly before the number being estimated.

With Prepositions: Placed after the preposition but before the noun phrase (e.g., seit ungefähr einem Jahr).

With Adjectives: Used to indicate that two things are roughly similar (e.g., ungefähr so groß wie).

Ich brauche ungefähr drei Tage für die Arbeit.

Wir treffen uns in ungefähr einer Stunde.

Das ist ungefähr das, was ich meinte.

Sie verdient ungefähr dreitausend Euro im Monat.

Mein Bruder ist ungefähr so groß wie du.

The beauty of the word ungefähr lies in its absolute ubiquity across all spheres of German life. You will encounter it in the bustling atmosphere of a local bakery when someone asks how many rolls are left, in the precise yet cautious environment of a corporate boardroom during financial projections, and in the casual banter among friends planning a weekend getaway. It is a word that transcends social class, age, and professional boundaries. In everyday conversational German, it is constantly used to manage expectations. If a train is delayed, the announcement might state that it will arrive in 'ungefähr zehn Minuten', providing a buffer for further minor delays. When asking for directions, a helpful local might tell you to walk straight for 'ungefähr zweihundert Meter' before turning left. This prevents the listener from panicking if they have walked exactly two hundred meters and haven't yet seen the turn. In news broadcasts and journalism, reporters frequently use it when exact figures are still unconfirmed, such as reporting that 'ungefähr tausend Menschen' attended a demonstration. This allows for responsible reporting without sacrificing factual integrity. Furthermore, in academic and scientific contexts, while precision is paramount, this word is still utilized when discussing estimates, historical timelines, or broad statistical trends. It is also highly prevalent in literature and storytelling, where authors use it to set scenes without bogging the reader down in overly specific, distracting details. By familiarizing yourself with these diverse contexts, you will develop a keen ear for the word and understand its vital role in facilitating smooth, realistic communication in the German-speaking world. The more you listen to native speakers, the more you will realize that absolute precision is rare in spontaneous speech, making this adverb an absolute necessity.

Public Transport: Frequently heard in announcements regarding estimated arrival times or delays.

Shopping and Retail: Used by shop assistants when estimating stock levels or delivery times.

News and Media: Employed by journalists to report unverified crowd sizes or preliminary data.

Der Zug hat ungefähr fünfzehn Minuten Verspätung.

Das Paket kommt in ungefähr drei Tagen an.

Auf dem Konzert waren ungefähr zehntausend Fans.

Gehen Sie ungefähr hundert Meter geradeaus.

Wir haben noch ungefähr die Hälfte des Kuchens übrig.

While ungefähr is a highly useful word, learners often stumble into a few common pitfalls when trying to integrate it into their German vocabulary. One of the most frequent errors is redundant usage, specifically combining it with other words that also imply estimation, such as 'circa' or 'etwa'. Saying 'circa ungefähr zehn Euro' is tautological and sounds unnatural to a native speaker; you must choose one or the other. Another common mistake involves incorrect word order. As an adverb of degree or estimation, it should sit as close as possible to the element it modifies. Placing it at the end of a sentence, such as 'Das kostet zehn Euro ungefähr', is grammatically awkward in German, unlike in English where 'That costs ten euros, approximately' is acceptable. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse it with words that look or sound somewhat similar but have entirely different meanings, such as 'gefährlich' (dangerous). It is crucial to recognize the distinct spelling and pronunciation to avoid confusing your conversation partner. Additionally, some students overuse it when a more precise term is required by the context, such as in formal legal or scientific writing where exactness is demanded. Conversely, underusing it can make a speaker sound overly rigid or robotic, as native speakers naturally soften their statements with approximations. Finally, there can be confusion regarding its use with time. When saying 'at about 3 o'clock', the correct German phrasing is 'um ungefähr drei Uhr', not 'ungefähr um drei Uhr', though the latter is sometimes heard in very colloquial speech, the former is grammatically preferred. By being mindful of these common errors, you can refine your usage and speak German with greater accuracy and natural flow.

Redundancy: Avoid using it alongside 'etwa' or 'circa' in the same phrase.

Word Order: Do not place it at the end of the sentence; keep it before the number.

Vocabulary Confusion: Do not confuse it with 'gefährlich', which means dangerous.

Falsch: Das kostet circa ungefähr fünf Euro.

Richtig: Das kostet ungefähr fünf Euro.

Falsch: Wir treffen uns drei Uhr ungefähr.

Richtig: Wir treffen uns um ungefähr drei Uhr.

Achtung: Das ist nicht ungefähr, das ist gefährlich!

The German language is rich in vocabulary for expressing approximation, and while ungefähr is arguably the most common and versatile, knowing its synonyms can greatly enrich your conversational skills and reading comprehension. The most direct synonym is 'etwa', which is slightly shorter and very frequently used in spoken German. It functions almost identically in sentences, making it a perfect drop-in replacement when you want to vary your vocabulary. Another common alternative is 'circa' (often abbreviated as ca.), which is borrowed from Latin. 'Circa' is heavily used in written German, particularly in formal texts, historical dates, and technical specifications, though it is also common in speech. If you want to express that something is 'roughly' a certain amount, you might use 'grob', which literally means 'coarse' or 'rough', as in 'grob geschätzt' (roughly estimated). For numbers that are 'round', the word 'rund' can be used, similar to saying 'around' in English, such as 'rund hundert Euro' (around a hundred euros). Another nuanced alternative is 'schätzungsweise', which translates to 'at a guess' or 'estimated', and is excellent for emphasizing that the number provided is a deliberate estimation rather than a known fact. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the perfect word for the specific context, whether you are writing a formal essay, chatting with a friend, or reading a newspaper article. While 'ungefähr' remains your reliable default, sprinkling in these alternatives demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency and a deeper appreciation for German linguistic nuances.

Etwa: The most common, slightly shorter synonym, used interchangeably in almost all contexts.

Circa (ca.): More formal, frequently seen in writing, academic texts, and historical dates.

Rund: Used specifically with numbers to mean 'around', implying a rounded figure.

Das kostet ungefähr zehn Euro. (Standard)

Das kostet etwa zehn Euro. (Alternative)

Das kostet circa zehn Euro. (Formal/Written)

Das kostet rund zehn Euro. (Rounded number)

Das kostet schätzungsweise zehn Euro. (Estimated)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"Die Kosten belaufen sich auf ungefähr zehntausend Euro."

Neutre

"Das kostet ungefähr zehn Euro."

Informel

"Das sind so ungefähr zehn Euro."

Child friendly

"Da sind ungefähr fünf Vögel."

Argot

"Das dauert ungefähr ewig."

Le savais-tu ?

It is interesting that a word that now means 'approximately' shares the same root as the word for 'danger' (Gefahr). Originally, doing something 'ungefähr' meant doing it without malicious intent (without danger to others), which eventually evolved into doing something without exact precision.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈʊnɡəˌfɛːɐ̯/

US /ˈʊnɡəˌfɛːr/

UN-ge-fähr

Rime avec

Bär schwer mehr sehr leer Heer Meer Verkehr

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ä' as an 'ay' sound instead of an 'eh' sound.
Stressing the second or third syllable instead of the first.
Pronouncing the final 'r' too harshly; it should be vocalized.
Confusing the word with 'gefährlich' (dangerous).
Dropping the 'g' sound entirely.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize, but learners must remember it means 'about' and not 'dangerous'.

Écriture 3/5

Spelling the 'ä' and 'h' correctly can be slightly tricky for beginners.

Expression orale 4/5

Pronouncing the 'f' and 'ä' correctly while maintaining sentence flow requires practice.

Écoute 3/5

Often spoken quickly in native speech, blending into the following number.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Zahlen (1-100) Uhrzeit Geld wie viel kosten

Apprends ensuite

genau etwa circa schätzen beinahe

Avancé

schätzungsweise annähernd proportional deckungsgleich Volatilität

Grammaire à connaître

Adverb Placement

Adverbs of degree like 'ungefähr' are placed directly before the word they modify. 'ungefähr zehn Euro'.

Prepositions with Time

When using 'ungefähr' with future time, use 'in': 'in ungefähr einer Stunde'.

Prepositions with Exact Time

When using 'ungefähr' with clock time, use 'um': 'um ungefähr drei Uhr'.

Comparisons

Use 'ungefähr so... wie' for rough comparisons: 'ungefähr so groß wie'.

Fractions

Use 'ungefähr' before fractions: 'ungefähr die Hälfte'.

Exemples par niveau

Das kostet ungefähr zehn Euro.

That costs about ten euros.

Placed directly before the number.

Es ist ungefähr drei Uhr.

It is about three o'clock.

Used with time.

Ich habe ungefähr fünf Äpfel.

I have about five apples.

Used with quantities.

Wir brauchen ungefähr eine Stunde.

We need about an hour.

Used with duration.

Das ist ungefähr richtig.

That is about right.

Used with an adjective.

Er ist ungefähr zwanzig Jahre alt.

He is about twenty years old.

Used with age.

Ich sehe ungefähr zehn Autos.

I see about ten cars.

Used with plural nouns.

Das Hotel ist ungefähr hier.

The hotel is about here.

Used with location.

Der Weg ist ungefähr zwei Kilometer lang.

The path is about two kilometers long.

Used with distance.

Wir treffen uns in ungefähr zehn Minuten.

We will meet in about ten minutes.

Used with the preposition 'in'.

Sie verdient ungefähr tausend Euro.

She earns about a thousand euros.

Used with larger numbers.

Mein Bruder ist ungefähr so groß wie ich.

My brother is about as tall as me.

Used in comparisons.

Das Fest beginnt ungefähr um acht.

The party starts at about eight.

Used with 'um' for time.

Ich habe ungefähr die Hälfte gelesen.

I have read about half.

Used with fractions.

Es dauert ungefähr einen Monat.

It takes about a month.

Used with time periods.

Da waren ungefähr fünfzig Leute.

There were about fifty people there.

Used in past tense descriptions.

Ich schätze, das Haus ist ungefähr fünfzig Jahre alt.

I guess the house is about fifty years old.

Used with verbs of estimation.

Die Reparatur wird ungefähr dreihundert Euro kosten.

The repair will cost about three hundred euros.

Used in future tense predictions.

Wir haben ungefähr das gleiche Problem.

We have roughly the same problem.

Used with abstract concepts.

Ungefähr zu dieser Zeit war ich in Berlin.

Around this time, I was in Berlin.

Used at the beginning of a phrase.

Die Temperatur liegt bei ungefähr zwanzig Grad.

The temperature is at about twenty degrees.

Used with measurements.

Er hat ungefähr doppelt so viel bezahlt.

He paid about twice as much.

Used with multipliers.

Das ist ungefähr das, was ich erwartet habe.

That is roughly what I expected.

Used with relative clauses.

Die Fahrt dauert ungefähr so lange wie mit dem Zug.

The drive takes about as long as by train.

Used in complex comparisons.

Die Studie zeigt, dass ungefähr ein Drittel der Bevölkerung zustimmt.

The study shows that about a third of the population agrees.

Used in reporting statistics.

Die historischen Ereignisse fanden ungefähr im 18. Jahrhundert statt.

The historical events took place roughly in the 18th century.

Used with historical timeframes.

Ihre Ansichten sind ungefähr deckungsgleich mit meinen.

Her views are roughly congruent with mine.

Used with sophisticated adjectives.

Das Budget beläuft sich auf ungefähr zwei Millionen Euro.

The budget amounts to approximately two million euros.

Used in professional contexts.

Ungefähr in der Mitte des Buches gibt es eine Wendung.

Roughly in the middle of the book, there is a twist.

Used to specify abstract locations.

Die Wahrscheinlichkeit liegt bei ungefähr fünfzig Prozent.

The probability is at about fifty percent.

Used with probabilities.

Es handelt sich um ungefähr denselben Sachverhalt.

It concerns roughly the same matter.

Used in formal discussions.

Die Entwicklung dauerte ungefähr ein Jahrzehnt.

The development took about a decade.

Used with long durations.

Die philosophischen Strömungen jener Zeit waren ungefähr vergleichbar.

The philosophical currents of that time were roughly comparable.

Used in academic comparisons.

Die tatsächlichen Kosten überstiegen die Schätzung um ungefähr das Dreifache.

The actual costs exceeded the estimate by roughly threefold.

Used with complex multipliers.

Das Konzept entspricht ungefähr dem, was in der Literatur beschrieben wird.

The concept corresponds roughly to what is described in the literature.

Used with abstract correspondence.

Die demografische Entwicklung verläuft ungefähr nach den prognostizierten Modellen.

The demographic development is proceeding roughly according to the forecasted models.

Used in sociological contexts.

Seine Argumentation ist ungefähr so stichhaltig wie ein Sieb.

His argumentation is about as sound as a sieve.

Used in ironic or metaphorical contexts.

Die linguistische Struktur ähnelt ungefähr der des Lateinischen.

The linguistic structure roughly resembles that of Latin.

Used in specialized fields.

Die Ausmaße der Katastrophe waren ungefähr absehbar.

The scale of the disaster was roughly foreseeable.

Used with abstract nouns.

Die politische Landschaft hat sich ungefähr in diese Richtung verschoben.

The political landscape has shifted roughly in this direction.

Used to describe trends.

Die epistemologische Prämisse ist ungefähr kongruent mit Kants Ansatz.

The epistemological premise is roughly congruent with Kant's approach.

Used in highly specialized academic discourse.

Die Fluktuation der Währungsmärkte entsprach ungefähr den antizipierten Volatilitätsindizes.

The fluctuation of the currency markets corresponded roughly to the anticipated volatility indices.

Used in advanced economic contexts.

Die semantische Verschiebung des Begriffs erfolgte ungefähr an der Wende zum 20. Jahrhundert.

The semantic shift of the term occurred roughly at the turn of the 20th century.

Used in historical linguistics.

Die morphologischen Eigenschaften der Spezies sind ungefähr identisch mit denen des Holotyps.

The morphological characteristics of the species are roughly identical to those of the holotype.

Used in scientific taxonomy.

Die juristische Auslegung des Paragrafen deckt sich ungefähr mit der gängigen Rechtsprechung.

The legal interpretation of the paragraph aligns roughly with current jurisprudence.

Used in legal analysis.

Die architektonische Formensprache orientiert sich ungefähr am Brutalismus der Nachkriegszeit.

The architectural design language is roughly oriented towards post-war brutalism.

Used in art and architecture criticism.

Die makroökonomischen Indikatoren verhalten sich ungefähr proportional zur Inflationsrate.

The macroeconomic indicators behave roughly proportionally to the inflation rate.

Used in statistical analysis.

Die narratologische Struktur des Romans folgt ungefähr dem klassischen Heldenepos.

The narratological structure of the novel follows roughly the classical heroic epic.

Used in literary theory.

Collocations courantes

ungefähr gleich

ungefähr so

ungefähr in der Mitte

ungefähr zur gleichen Zeit

ungefähr die Hälfte

ungefähr ein Drittel

ungefähr doppelt so viel

ungefähr zehn Prozent

ungefähr in diesem Bereich

ungefähr passend

Phrases Courantes

So ungefähr.

Ungefähr das.

Das kommt ungefähr hin.

Ungefähr in der Größenordnung.

Nur so ungefähr.

Ungefähr wie immer.

Ungefähr dort.

Ungefähr dann.

Ungefähr alles.

Ungefähr nichts.

Souvent confondu avec

ungefähr vs gefährlich

Means 'dangerous'. They share a root but have completely different meanings. Do not confuse them.

ungefähr vs ungefährlich

Means 'harmless' or 'not dangerous'. It is the direct opposite of gefährlich, not a synonym for ungefähr.

ungefähr vs genau

Means 'exactly'. It is the antonym of ungefähr. Using the wrong one completely changes the meaning.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Pi mal Daumen"

A very common idiom meaning 'rule of thumb' or 'roughly estimated'. It literally translates to 'Pi times thumb'.

Das sind Pi mal Daumen hundert Euro.

informal

"Über den Daumen gepeilt"

Another idiom for 'roughly estimated', literally meaning 'sighted over the thumb'. Used when making a quick visual guess.

Über den Daumen gepeilt brauchen wir drei Stunden.

informal

"So über den Daumen"

A shortened version of 'über den Daumen gepeilt', meaning 'roughly'.

Das kostet so über den Daumen fünfzig Euro.

informal

"Grob geschätzt"

Literally 'roughly estimated'. Used when providing a guess without exact data.

Grob geschätzt sind es tausend Leute.

neutral

"In etwa"

A phrase functioning exactly like 'ungefähr', meaning 'approximately'.

Das ist in etwa das Gleiche.

neutral

"Mehr oder weniger"

Means 'more or less'. Used to indicate that something is mostly true but not entirely precise.

Das ist mehr oder weniger richtig.

neutral

"Über den Daumen gerechnet"

Means 'calculated roughly'. Used when doing quick mental math.

Über den Daumen gerechnet macht das zehn Euro pro Person.

informal

"Zirka (ca.)"

A formal equivalent to 'ungefähr', often used in writing.

Wir erwarten zirka fünfzig Gäste.

formal

"Schätzungsweise"

Means 'at a guess'. Used to explicitly state that the number is an estimate.

Er ist schätzungsweise vierzig Jahre alt.

formal

"Rund um den Dreh"

Means 'somewhere around that number'. Very colloquial.

Das kostet hundert Euro, so rund um den Dreh.

informal

Facile à confondre

ungefähr vs etwa

Both mean 'approximately'.

'Etwa' is slightly shorter and more common in fast speech. They are fully interchangeable.

Das kostet etwa/ungefähr zehn Euro.

ungefähr vs circa

Both mean 'approximately'.

'Circa' is more formal and often used in writing or academic contexts.

Der Bau dauerte circa/ungefähr zwei Jahre.

ungefähr vs rund

Both can mean 'about' with numbers.

'Rund' specifically implies a rounded number (e.g., 100, 1000).

Es kamen rund/ungefähr hundert Leute.

ungefähr vs fast

Both deal with non-exact numbers.

'Fast' means 'almost' (slightly less than the number), while 'ungefähr' means 'about' (could be more or less).

Es ist fast (almost) / ungefähr (about) drei Uhr.

ungefähr vs knapp

Both deal with non-exact numbers.

'Knapp' means 'just under', whereas 'ungefähr' is neutral regarding over or under.

Es kostet knapp (just under) / ungefähr (about) zehn Euro.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] + [Verb] + ungefähr + [Number].

Das kostet ungefähr zehn Euro.

[Subject] + [Verb] + in ungefähr + [Time].

Wir kommen in ungefähr einer Stunde.

[Subject] + [Verb] + ungefähr so + [Adjective] + wie + [Noun].

Er ist ungefähr so alt wie mein Bruder.

Es wird geschätzt, dass ungefähr + [Fraction] + [Verb].

Es wird geschätzt, dass ungefähr die Hälfte zustimmt.

[Noun] + entspricht ungefähr + [Dative Noun].

Das Ergebnis entspricht ungefähr den Erwartungen.

Die [Noun] verhält sich ungefähr proportional zu + [Dative Noun].

Die Nachfrage verhält sich ungefähr proportional zum Preis.

[Subject] + [Verb] + um ungefähr + [Time].

Das Konzert beginnt um ungefähr acht Uhr.

[Subject] + [Verb] + ungefähr + [Multiplier] + so viel.

Sie verdient ungefähr doppelt so viel.

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high. One of the top 500 most used words in spoken German.

Erreurs courantes

Das kostet zehn Euro ungefähr. → Das kostet ungefähr zehn Euro.
In German, the adverb of estimation must precede the number it modifies. Placing it at the end is a direct translation error from English.
Wir treffen uns ungefähr um drei Uhr. → Wir treffen uns um ungefähr drei Uhr.
The preposition 'um' should precede the adverb 'ungefähr' when specifying a time.
Das ist circa ungefähr richtig. → Das ist ungefähr richtig.
Using 'circa' and 'ungefähr' together is redundant. Use only one word to express approximation.
Der Hund ist ungefährlich, er kostet ungefähr zehn Euro. → Der Hund ist ungefährlich, er kostet ungefähr zehn Euro.
Confusing 'ungefährlich' (harmless) with 'ungefähr' (approximately). They are different words.
Ich habe ungefähr alles gemacht. → Ich habe fast alles gemacht.
'Ungefähr' is not typically used with absolute pronouns like 'alles'. Use 'fast' (almost) instead.

Astuces

Placement is Key

Always place 'ungefähr' directly before the number or quantity it modifies. Do not separate them.

Learn the Synonyms

Memorize 'etwa' alongside 'ungefähr'. Using both will make your German sound much more natural.

Master the Umlaut

Practice the 'ä' sound carefully. Mispronouncing it can make you hard to understand.

Avoid Redundancy

Never say 'circa ungefähr'. Pick one and stick with it for that sentence.

Train Announcements

Listen for this word at train stations. It's a vital clue that your train is delayed.

Buy Thinking Time

Use 'ungefähr' to give yourself a second to think of the exact German number.

Formal Alternatives

In formal essays, try using 'circa' or 'schätzungsweise' instead of 'ungefähr'.

German Precision

Even when using 'ungefähr', Germans often expect the estimate to be fairly accurate.

Pi mal Daumen

Learn the idiom 'Pi mal Daumen' to impress native speakers with your colloquial knowledge.

The UNFAIR Mnemonic

Remember: It's UNFAIR that you don't know the exact number, so you use UN-ge-fähr.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine you are guessing how many UNicorns are at the FAIR. You don't know exactly, so you say 'UN-ge-FAIR' (ungefähr) ten unicorns.

Association visuelle

Visualize a large, fuzzy, imprecise circle drawn around a number. The fuzziness represents the 'ungefähr' nature of the estimate.

Word Web

ungefähr etwa circa Zahlen Zeit Geld schätzen genau (Antonym)

Défi

Next time you look at the clock, don't read the exact minutes. Instead, say out loud in German: 'Es ist ungefähr...' and round to the nearest five minutes.

Origine du mot

The word 'ungefähr' originates from Middle High German 'ungevæære', which meant 'without deceit' or 'without hostile intent'. It is composed of the prefix 'un-' (without) and the root related to 'Gefahr' (danger or deceit in older contexts). Over time, the meaning shifted from 'without deceit' to 'unintentional', and finally to 'approximate' or 'rough', as an unintentional measurement is naturally imprecise. This semantic shift is a fascinating example of how language evolves over centuries.

Sens originel : Without deceit or without hostile intent.

Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > High German

Contexte culturel

No specific cultural sensitivities; it is a neutral, universally acceptable word.

English speakers use 'about' very casually. In German, 'ungefähr' is also casual, but Germans might still expect a higher degree of accuracy within that approximation than English speakers do.

Used frequently in German news broadcasts when reporting crowd sizes. Common in German literature to set vague, atmospheric scenes. Often heard in train station announcements regarding delays.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping

Das kostet ungefähr...
Ich brauche ungefähr...
Haben Sie ungefähr...
Das ist ungefähr der Preis.

Telling Time

Es ist ungefähr...
Wir treffen uns um ungefähr...
In ungefähr zehn Minuten.
Es dauert ungefähr...

Giving Directions

Ungefähr hundert Meter.
Nach ungefähr zwei Kilometern.
Es ist ungefähr dort.
Fahren Sie ungefähr...

Describing People

Er ist ungefähr so groß wie...
Sie ist ungefähr zwanzig.
Ungefähr mein Alter.
Ungefähr gleich groß.

Cooking

Ungefähr eine Tasse.
Ungefähr zehn Minuten kochen.
Ungefähr die Hälfte nehmen.
Ungefähr so viel.

Amorces de conversation

"Wie lange brauchst du ungefähr zur Arbeit?"

"Was kostet so ein Auto ungefähr?"

"Wie viele Leute kommen ungefähr zur Party?"

"Wann bist du ungefähr fertig?"

"Wie weit ist es ungefähr bis zum Bahnhof?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe deinen Tagesablauf und benutze 'ungefähr' für die Uhrzeiten.

Schreibe über ein teures Hobby. Wie viel kostet es ungefähr?

Erinnere dich an deinen letzten Urlaub. Wie weit bist du ungefähr gefahren?

Schätze, wie viele Stunden du ungefähr pro Woche Deutsch lernst.

Beschreibe dein Traumhaus. Wie groß ist es ungefähr?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is grammatically incorrect in standard German to place 'ungefähr' at the end of a sentence like 'Das kostet zehn Euro ungefähr'. It must go before the number. However, in very casual slang, you might hear 'so ungefähr' added at the end as an afterthought.

There is no difference in meaning; both mean 'approximately'. 'Etwa' is just shorter and often preferred in spoken German for speed. You can use them interchangeably in almost all situations.

It is a neutral word, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, 'circa' or 'schätzungsweise' might be preferred.

No. 'Gefährlich' means dangerous. 'Ungefähr' means approximately. They look similar because they share an ancient root, but their modern meanings are entirely different.

For clock time, use 'um ungefähr' (um ungefähr drei Uhr). For duration, use 'in ungefähr' (in ungefähr einer Stunde). Always keep the preposition before the adverb.

No, that is redundant and sounds unnatural. Choose either 'circa' or 'ungefähr', but never both together.

The most common opposite is 'genau', which means 'exactly'. Another formal opposite is 'exakt'.

The 'ä' is pronounced like a long 'eh' sound, similar to the 'e' in the English word 'bed', but held slightly longer.

Yes, it can be used to mean 'roughly', as in 'ungefähr gleich' (roughly the same) or 'ungefähr richtig' (roughly correct).

It is an adverb. It modifies numbers, verbs, or adjectives, but it does not change its ending like a German adjective would.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence saying: 'The book costs about 15 euros.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use ungefähr before the number.