B2 Adjectives & Adverbs 13 min read Medium

Making Guesses with "wohl" (Probably)

Use wohl to turn direct facts into friendly, natural-sounding assumptions in everyday German conversation.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'wohl' to express a high degree of probability or a polite assumption about a situation you aren't 100% sure about.

  • Use 'wohl' to guess: 'Er ist wohl zu Hause' (He is probably at home).
  • Use 'wohl' to express uncertainty in questions: 'Ist er wohl schon da?' (I wonder if he is there yet?).
  • Place 'wohl' after the conjugated verb or pronoun, usually early in the middle field.
Subject + Verb + wohl + [rest of sentence]

Overview

German, like many languages, possesses small but powerful words that imbue sentences with nuance, attitude, and a sense of shared understanding. These are known as modal particles (Modalpartikeln). They don't alter the core meaning of a sentence but rather signal your perspective on what is being said.

Among these, the particle wohl stands out as a key indicator of assumption or probable inference. It allows you to express a belief that something is likely true, without stating it as an absolute fact.

Wohl softens a declaration, transforming a direct statement into a polite estimation. This avoids sounding overly assertive or confrontational, providing a space for discussion or alternative perspectives. By using wohl, you communicate that your statement is based on reasonable deduction or general knowledge, rather than definitive proof.

It's a linguistic tool that contributes significantly to sounding natural and considerate in German conversation.

For an A1 learner, understanding wohl opens up a crucial dimension of German expression. While direct translations might suggest adverbs like "probably" or "presumably," wohl functions differently, often appearing in positions where English would use intonation or an entire phrase. Mastering its usage allows you to navigate social interactions with greater ease and communicate more subtly, even at a beginner stage.

How This Grammar Works

Modal particles like wohl are unique to German and some other Germanic languages. They are uninflected; they never change their form, regardless of tense, gender, number, or case. Their primary role is to add a subjective coloring to a statement.
In the case of wohl, this coloring is one of plausibility or high probability, derived from a logical deduction or general expectation.
When you use wohl, you indicate that you are approximately 70-80% certain of what you are saying. It signifies an educated guess, a reasoned conclusion based on available evidence or common sense, rather than a mere possibility or a definitive fact. Consider the difference between Es regnet (It is raining) and Es regnet wohl (It's probably raining / I assume it's raining).
The latter implies you've observed something – dark die Clouds, das Sound of der Rain on das Window – but haven't personally confirmed it with 100% certainty.
This particle is invaluable for softening direct statements and avoiding confrontational language. Instead of Du bist spät. (You are late.), which can sound accusatory, Du bist wohl spät. (You're probably late.) transforms the observation into a milder, more questioning remark. It invites the other person to explain or confirm, rather than merely accept.
This function reflects a cultural preference in German for indirectness and politeness in certain social contexts, particularly when making observations that could be perceived as criticism.
Moreover, wohl can express mild surprise or a new realization. If you discover a fact you hadn't previously considered, you might use wohl to convey this 'ah, so that's how it is' moment. For instance, upon seeing someone unexpectedly successful, Du bist wohl ein Profi! (You're probably a professional!) carries an undertone of newly dawning realization rather than a straightforward assertion.

Formation Pattern

1
The placement of wohl in a German sentence is crucial and follows specific rules, primarily related to verb position and the TeKaMoLo (Temporal-Kausal-Modal-Lokal) rule for adverbial phrases. For an A1 learner, the most important rule is that wohl typically appears directly after the conjugated verb in a main clause.
2
In a simple main clause (verb-second position), wohl almost always follows the main conjugated verb. If there are pronouns (direct or indirect objects), wohl usually follows these pronouns.
3
| Structure | Example Sentence | Translation |
4
| :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- |
5
| Subject + Verb + wohl + Rest | Er ist wohl zu Hause. | He is probably at home. |
6
| Subject + Verb + Pronoun + wohl + Rest | Ich habe es wohl vergessen. | I probably forgot it. |
7
If the sentence contains a modal verb (e.g., können, müssen, wollen) or a verb with a separable prefix, wohl is placed after the conjugated part of the verb phrase. The infinitive or separable prefix remains at the end of the sentence.
8
| Structure | Example Sentence | Translation |
9
| :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- |
10
| Subject + Modal Verb + wohl + Rest + Infinitive | Sie muss wohl gehen. | She probably has to go. |
11
| Subject + Separable Prefix Verb (conjugated) + wohl + Rest + Prefix | Er kommt wohl morgen an. | He probably arrives tomorrow. |
12
Wohl generally avoids the very beginning or the very end of a sentence. Its natural home is within the "middle field" (Mittelfeld) of the German clause, between the conjugated verb and other elements like objects or adverbial phrases. Placing wohl incorrectly can make a sentence sound unnatural or alter its intended nuance.
13
Correct Placement: Das Wetter wird wohl besser. (The weather will probably get better.)
14
Incorrect Placement: Wohl das Wetter wird besser. (Sounds unnatural, like Yoda-speak).
15
Correct Placement: Die Kneipe macht wohl bald auf. (The die Pub probably opens soon.)

When To Use It

Wohl is a versatile particle, essential for conveying an informed guess, softening a statement, or expressing mild realization. It's particularly useful in situations where you don't have absolute certainty but have enough information to make a reasonable assumption.
  1. 1Making Educated Guesses/Assumptions: Use wohl when you are making a likely assumption based on observation, prior knowledge, or logical deduction. You aren't guessing wildly, but you also aren't stating an absolute fact.
  • Die Post ist wohl schon da. (The die Mail is probably already here.) – You hear das Postman's der Truck, but haven't checked der Mailbox yet.
  • Er hat wohl den Bus verpasst. (He probably missed der Bus.) – He is usually punctual, and he's late.
  1. 1Softening Statements / Politeness: Wohl is an excellent tool for making a statement less direct, which can be perceived as more polite or less confrontational. It leaves room for the other person to disagree or offer a different perspective.
  • Du bist wohl müde. (You're probably tired.) – Instead of Du bist müde. (You are tired.), which might sound like an accusation or an unwanted diagnosis.
  • Das war wohl ein Fehler. (That was probably a mistake.) – A gentler way to point out an error, rather than Das war ein Fehler. (That was a mistake.), which is more blunt.
  1. 1Expressing Mild Surprise or Realization: When you discover something new or unexpected, wohl can convey this sense of dawning awareness.
  • Ach so, das ist wohl der Grund! (Oh, so that's probably der Reason!) – You've just understood why something happened.
  • Ihr seid wohl schon fertig. (You're probably already finished.) – You arrive and see that a task you expected to be ongoing is complete.
  1. 1In Rhetorical Questions (often with a negative connotation): Wohl can appear in questions, often suggesting a degree of exasperation or challenging a perceived absurdity.
  • Bist du wohl verrückt? (Are you crazy or what?) – Expressing disbelief or mild shock at someone's behavior.
  • Willst du wohl still sein?! (Will you please be quiet?!) – This is a very direct, sometimes impolite, command or admonition, demonstrating that wohl can also intensify certain expressions depending on context and intonation.
Using wohl effectively allows your German to sound more natural and reflective of everyday conversation. It demonstrates an understanding of the subtle ways speakers convey their attitude and expectations.

Common Mistakes

Even at an A1 level, understanding typical pitfalls when using wohl can prevent miscommunication and make your German sound more authentic. The most common errors relate to confusing wohl with other words, misplacing it, or using it inappropriately for certain contexts.
  1. 1Confusing wohl with gut (well):
  • Historically, wohl could mean "well-being" or "good," as in Mir ist wohl (I feel well). However, in modern German, this usage is largely archaic or restricted to very specific idioms. For general well-being or quality, use gut.
  • Incorrect: Er spielt wohl. (He probably plays.) – This is grammatically correct for assumption, but if you mean "He plays well," it's wrong.
  • Correct: Er spielt gut. (He plays well.)
  • Correct: Er spielt wohl Schach. (He probably plays das Chess.) – Here wohl correctly conveys assumption.
  1. 1Incorrect Placement in the Sentence: Wohl is a particle, not an adverb that can float freely. Its position is relatively fixed, typically after the conjugated verb or after pronouns.
  • Incorrect: Wohl er kommt heute. (Sounds very unnatural, like an attempt to translate "Probably he comes today.")
  • Correct: Er kommt wohl heute. (He probably comes today.)
  • Incorrect: Das ist mein Schlüssel wohl. (Placement at the very end is usually awkward.)
  • Correct: Das ist wohl mein Schlüssel. (That's probably my der Key.)
  1. 1Using wohl for 100% Certainty: Wohl indicates a high probability, not absolute certainty. Using it for self-evident facts can sound strange, ironic, or even condescending.
  • If you are holding your own key, stating Das ist wohl mein Schlüssel. sounds as if you're questioning your own possession or identity, which can be humorous or imply you're easily confused. If it's definitely your key, just say Das ist mein Schlüssel.
  1. 1Overuse in Formal Writing: While acceptable in some informal emails, modal particles like wohl are generally characteristic of spoken or informal written German. Overusing them in highly formal contexts, such as academic essays or official documents, can make your writing appear overly casual or imprecise. In such cases, adverbs like wahrscheinlich or vermutlich are more appropriate.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure that your use of wohl enhances your communication rather than detracting from it, making your German sound more authentic and nuanced.

Real Conversations

Understanding wohl means observing its use in genuine communication. Native speakers integrate wohl seamlessly into daily exchanges, from casual chats to more reflective statements. Its presence often goes unnoticed by non-natives, yet it significantly colors the interaction.

S

Scenario 1

Guessing about a friend's plans

- A: Wo ist Anna? Sie ist nicht da. (Where is Anna? She's not here.)

- B: Sie ist wohl noch im Büro. (She's probably still at das Office.)

- Observation: Anna is often at das Office late.

- Inference: Based on this, she's probably there.

S

Scenario 2

Realizing something unexpected

- A: Mein Handy ist weg! Ich habe es überall gesucht. (My das Phone is gone! I've looked for it everywhere.)

- B: Hast du im Auto nachgesehen? (Did you check in das Car?)

- A: Oh, ja! Es ist wohl im Auto geblieben. (Oh, yes! It probably stayed in das Car.)

- Realization: Speaker A forgot to check das Car, and now it seems obvious the phone must be there.

S

Scenario 3

Softening a complaint or observation

- Colleague: (Works very slowly)

- You: Du hast wohl heute nicht viel Lust auf Arbeit, oder? (You probably don't feel like working much today, do you?)

- Softer Approach: Instead of Du arbeitest langsam. (You're working slowly.), which is a direct criticism. Wohl makes it an observation with a gentle query.

S

Scenario 4

Expressing exasperation (often with an exclamation)

- Parent to child: Willst du wohl endlich deine Hausaufgaben machen?! (Will you finally do your homework?!)

- Intensified Command: Here, wohl adds a tone of urgency or exasperation to a command, making it more emphatic rather than softening it. This demonstrates the nuanced context-dependency of modal particles.

These examples illustrate that wohl is not merely a synonym for "probably"; it's a dynamic element of communication that reflects your attitude, expresses your degree of certainty, and helps manage social dynamics in German conversation. Observing and imitating its use in real-world contexts is key to truly internalizing its function.

Quick FAQ

  • Does wohl ever change its form?
  • No, wohl is an uninflected modal particle. It never changes its ending or form, regardless of grammar.
  • Can I use wohl in questions?
  • Yes, but it adds a specific nuance. In questions, wohl often expresses a desire for confirmation, surprise, or doubt about something you suspect is true. It can also imply a mild challenge.
  • Ist er wohl krank? (Is he probably sick? / I assume he's sick, is that right?)
  • Hast du wohl die Rechnung bezahlt? (You paid the die Bill, I assume?)
  • How is wohl different from vielleicht (maybe)?
  • Vielleicht indicates a 50/50 possibility; you genuinely don't know the likelihood. Wohl suggests a higher probability (70-80%) based on an informed guess or reasonable deduction. You have a reason to believe it.
  • Er kommt vielleicht. (He might come. – You have no idea if he will.)
  • Er kommt wohl. (He'll probably come. – You expect him to, based on something.)
  • How is wohl different from wahrscheinlich (probably)?
  • Wahrscheinlich is a formal adverb that quantifies probability. It sounds more objective and precise. Wohl is a modal particle that conveys your subjective attitude and softens a statement, making it more conversational and less formal.
  • Wahrscheinlich kommt er morgen. (He will probably come tomorrow. – Formal statement of probability.)
  • Er kommt wohl morgen. (He'll probably come tomorrow. – More casual, expressing an expectation.)
  • What about sicher (surely)?
  • Sicher implies a very high degree of certainty, almost 95-100%, indicating that you are almost positive. Wohl remains in the 70-80% range, expressing a strong assumption rather than near-certainty. Definitiv (definitely) implies 100% certainty.
| Certainty Scale | Degree | Function |
| :------------------------------- | :------------- | :--------------------------------------------- |
| Vielleicht | ~50% | Pure possibility, pure guess |
| Wohl | ~70-80% | Informed guess, strong probability, softening |
| Wahrscheinlich | ~85-90% | Objective probability, more formal |
| Sicher / Bestimmt | ~95% | High certainty, conviction |
| Definitiv / Mit Sicherheit | 100% | Absolute certainty, no doubt |
  • Can I use wohl with any verb?
  • Generally, yes. Wohl can combine with most verbs, including sein (to be), haben (to have), and action verbs. Its function remains consistent: to indicate an assumption or soften the statement.
  • Is wohl rude or overly informal?
  • Not at all. In most contexts, wohl makes your speech more polite and less assertive by indicating that you are making an assumption, not stating an undeniable truth. It's a hallmark of natural, considerate German. The exception is in very direct rhetorical questions where it can add intensity, as seen in Willst du wohl still sein?!
  • Does wohl have a special pronunciation?
  • The 'o' in wohl is pronounced as a long 'o', similar to the 'o' in the English word "hole." The 'h' is silent, making the preceding vowel long. Do not pronounce it like the short 'o' in "hot."
  • Should I use wohl in a job interview?
  • While not strictly forbidden, use wohl sparingly in highly formal situations like a job interview. Conveying certainty and confidence is often more important there. Ich kann das wohl machen (I can probably do that) might sound less convincing than Ich kann das machen (I can do that). Choose your words to match the desired impression of competence.
By mastering wohl, you add a layer of sophistication and naturalness to your German, allowing you to communicate not just facts, but also your attitude towards them.

Placement of 'wohl' in a sentence

Position 1 Verb Particle Rest
Er
ist
wohl
müde.
Sie
hat
wohl
den Bus verpasst.
Wir
könnten
wohl
später gehen.
Das
wird
wohl
stimmen.
Wo
ist
wohl
mein Schlüssel?
Warum
kommt
er
wohl nicht?

Meanings

A modal particle used to express a subjective assumption, a guess, or a high degree of probability regarding a fact.

1

Probability/Assumption

Expressing that something is likely true based on evidence or intuition.

“Er ist wohl schon weg.”

“Sie hat wohl den Bus verpasst.”

2

Reflective Question

Used in questions to express wonder or self-reflection.

“Was mag er wohl denken?”

“Wo ist wohl mein Schlüssel?”

Reference Table

Reference table for Making Guesses with "wohl" (Probably)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + Verb + wohl + Adj
Er ist wohl müde.
Negative
Subj + Verb + wohl + nicht
Er kommt wohl nicht.
Question
W-word + Verb + wohl + Subj
Wo ist wohl mein Schlüssel?
Modal
Subj + Modal + wohl + Verb
Das könnte wohl stimmen.
Perfect
Subj + Aux + wohl + Participle
Er hat wohl geschlafen.
Reflective
Verb + wohl + Subj
Ist er wohl schon da?

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Er dürfte sich wohl zu Hause aufhalten.

Er dürfte sich wohl zu Hause aufhalten. (Describing someone's location)

Neutral
Er ist wohl zu Hause.

Er ist wohl zu Hause. (Describing someone's location)

Informal
Er ist wohl daheim.

Er ist wohl daheim. (Describing someone's location)

Slang
Der ist wohl da.

Der ist wohl da. (Describing someone's location)

The 'Wohl' Spectrum

Certainty

High Certainty

  • Sicher Certain

Wohl (Guess)

  • Wohl Probably

Low Certainty

  • Vielleicht Maybe
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Examples by Level

1

Das ist wohl wahr.

That is probably true.

2

Er kommt wohl bald.

He is probably coming soon.

3

Das ist wohl schwer.

That is probably difficult.

4

Sie ist wohl müde.

She is probably tired.

1

Wo ist wohl mein Schlüssel?

Where might my key be?

2

Wie spät ist es wohl?

I wonder what time it is?

3

Hat er wohl schon gegessen?

I wonder if he has eaten yet?

4

Das wird wohl nicht klappen.

That probably won't work.

1

Er wird wohl im Stau stehen.

He is probably stuck in traffic.

2

Das ist wohl die beste Lösung für uns.

That is probably the best solution for us.

3

Was mag sie wohl dazu sagen?

I wonder what she might say about that?

4

Er hat wohl den ganzen Tag gearbeitet.

He has probably been working all day.

1

Man sollte wohl erst die Fakten prüfen.

One should probably check the facts first.

2

Das dürfte wohl kaum der Fall sein.

That is hardly likely to be the case.

3

Es ist wohl an der Zeit, eine Entscheidung zu treffen.

It is probably time to make a decision.

4

Wie hätte er wohl reagiert?

How might he have reacted?

1

Das ist wohl kaum als Erfolg zu werten.

That can hardly be considered a success.

2

Man mag sich wohl fragen, ob das sinnvoll ist.

One might well ask whether that is sensible.

3

Es ist wohl davon auszugehen, dass...

It is probably to be assumed that...

4

Das ist wohl das Mindeste, was man tun kann.

That is probably the least one can do.

1

Es ließe sich wohl trefflich darüber streiten.

One could probably argue about that quite well.

2

Das ist wohl eine Frage der Perspektive.

That is probably a question of perspective.

3

Er wird wohl kaum eine andere Wahl gehabt haben.

He probably hardly had any other choice.

4

Man darf wohl behaupten, dass dies ein Wendepunkt war.

One may well claim that this was a turning point.

Easily Confused

Making Guesses with "wohl" (Probably) vs Wohl vs. Wahrscheinlich

Both mean probably.

Making Guesses with "wohl" (Probably) vs Wohl vs. Vielleicht

Both express uncertainty.

Making Guesses with "wohl" (Probably) vs Wohl vs. Mal

Both are particles.

Common Mistakes

✗

Wohl ich denke.

✓

Ich denke wohl.

Wohl is not a sentence starter.
✗

Er ist müde wohl.

✓

Er ist wohl müde.

Wohl belongs in the middle.
✗

Es ist wohl vielleicht wahr.

✓

Es ist wohl wahr.

Don't double up on probability words.
✗

Das ist wohl nicht zu sein.

✓

Das dürfte wohl nicht sein.

Grammar structure error.

Sentence Patterns

Er ist ___ müde.

Wo ist ___ mein Schlüssel?

Das ___ wohl stimmen.

___ er wohl schon da?

Real World Usage

Texting very common

Bin wohl in 5 Min da.

Job Interview occasional

Das wäre wohl eine gute Idee.

Travel common

Der Zug hat wohl Verspätung.

Food Delivery common

Das Essen kommt wohl bald.

Social Media very common

Das ist wohl der beste Post heute!

Academic common

Dies ist wohl als Hypothese zu sehen.

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🎯

The 'Vibe' Check

If you aren't sure if you should use 'vielleicht' or 'wohl', go with 'wohl' to sound more like a native speaker who has a hunch.
⚠️

The 'feeling' trap

Don't say 'Ich bin wohl' to mean 'I am well'. That's outdated. Say 'Mir geht es gut' instead!
💬

Politeness Booster

Germans use 'wohl' to avoid sounding aggressive. It's a great way to point out a mistake without starting an argument.

Smart Tips

Use 'wohl' to sound like a native.

Er ist zu Hause. → Er ist wohl zu Hause.

Add 'wohl' for curiosity.

Wo ist er? → Wo ist er wohl?

Use 'wohl' to be polite.

Das ist falsch. → Das ist wohl nicht ganz richtig.

Use 'wohl' for deductions.

Er hat den Zug verpasst. → Er hat wohl den Zug verpasst.

Pronunciation

/voːl/

Emphasis

Wohl is usually unstressed.

Falling

Er ist wohl müde. ↘

Statement of fact/guess.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Wohl is like a 'Well, I guess...' in English. Both start with W.

Visual Association

Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking at a footprint. He says 'Das ist wohl der Täter' (That is probably the culprit).

Rhyme

If you are not sure and want to be cool, just add the little word wohl.

Story

Hans looks at the dark clouds. He says 'Es wird wohl regnen.' He grabs his umbrella. He is guessing based on the clouds.

Word Web

vermutlichwahrscheinlichvielleichtdenkenglaubenvermuten

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, look at 3 things around you and make a guess using 'wohl'.

Cultural Notes

Germans use 'wohl' to avoid sounding too direct or aggressive.

Used similarly, often with a slightly softer tone.

Common in formal and informal settings.

Derived from the Old High German 'wola', meaning 'well'.

Conversation Starters

“

Wo ist wohl mein Handy?

“

Was mag er wohl denken?

“

Das wird wohl stimmen, oder?

“

Wie spät ist es wohl in Berlin?

Journal Prompts

Describe what your friends are doing right now.
Speculate on a mystery.
Write about a decision you are making.
Analyze a historical event.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Er ist ___ müde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wohl
Wohl is the correct particle for guessing.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist wohl müde.
Wohl follows the verb.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Wohl ich bin müde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich bin wohl müde.
Wohl is not a starter.
Add 'wohl'. Sentence Transformation

Er ist zu Hause.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist wohl zu Hause.
Correct placement.
True or False? True False Rule

Wohl can start a sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Wohl is a mid-sentence particle.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Wo ist er? B: Er ___ in der Küche.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist wohl
Correct order.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

ist / wohl / er / müde

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist wohl müde.
Standard order.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Guessing
Wohl = Guessing.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Er ist ___ müde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wohl
Wohl is the correct particle for guessing.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist wohl müde.
Wohl follows the verb.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Wohl ich bin müde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich bin wohl müde.
Wohl is not a starter.
Add 'wohl'. Sentence Transformation

Er ist zu Hause.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist wohl zu Hause.
Correct placement.
True or False? True False Rule

Wohl can start a sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Wohl is a mid-sentence particle.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Wo ist er? B: Er ___ in der Küche.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ist wohl
Correct order.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

ist / wohl / er / müde

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist wohl müde.
Standard order.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match 'wohl' to its function.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Guessing
Wohl = Guessing.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Translate into German using 'wohl'. Translation

He probably forgot it.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er hat es wohl vergessen.
Reorder the words to make a correct assumption. Sentence Reorder

ist / Er / wohl / müde

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist wohl müde.
Match the German sentence to its English nuance. Match Pairs

Match the meanings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist wohl müde - Assumption
Choose the best word for a polite guess. Fill in the Blank

Du bist ___ neu hier, oder?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wohl
Fix the word choice mistake. Error Correction

Mir ist wohl.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mir geht es gut.
Which sentence expresses that the Wi-Fi is probably broken? Multiple Choice

Pick the correct one:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das WLAN ist wohl kaputt.
Translate: 'That is probably the truth.' Translation

That is probably the truth.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das ist wohl die Wahrheit.
Put the words in the right order. Sentence Reorder

muss / Das / wohl / warten

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das muss wohl warten.
Guessing the time: 'It is probably already late.' Fill in the Blank

Es ist ___ schon spät.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wohl
Match the context to the word. Match Pairs

Match the word to its 'vibe':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wohl - Medium certainty

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, it sounds unnatural if overused.

Yes, but it's a particle, not an adverb.

Usually after the interrogative pronoun.

No, it is uninflected.

Avoid it, it's redundant.

It is used in all registers.

Historically yes, but not in modern usage.

To soften their statements.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

probablemente

Placement is more flexible in Spanish.

French moderate

probablement

French adverbs are more mobile.

Japanese partial

tabun

Japanese particles are post-positional.

Arabic low

rubbama

German particles are mid-sentence.

Chinese moderate

dagai

German particles are after the verb.

English low

probably

English has no modal particles.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Shared Knowledge Particle: The Secret 'ja'
Next
German Particle Stacking: 'Yes, I know!' (ja doch)

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