In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'if possible' in any situation.
- Softens requests to make them sound less like demands.
- Used to show flexibility and respect for others' time.
Meaning
It's a polite way to say 'if it can be done' or 'whenever feasible.' It adds a layer of flexibility to a request or a plan so you don't sound too bossy.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a friend to arrive on time
Komm nach Möglichkeit pünktlich.
Come on time if possible.
Requesting a document from a colleague
Senden Sie mir die Datei nach Möglichkeit bis morgen.
Send me the file by tomorrow if possible.
Texting a roommate about groceries
Bring nach Möglichkeit noch Milch mit!
Bring some milk along if possible!
Cultural Background
In German business culture, 'nach Möglichkeit' is often used to avoid 'Nein' (No). If someone says they will do it 'nach Möglichkeit,' they are signaling that they will try, but if they fail, they have already warned you. Austrians might use 'nach Tunlichkeit' in very formal or official contexts. It sounds slightly more charming and old-fashioned than the standard German version. Swiss German speakers use 'nach Möglichkeit' in High German contexts, but in dialect (Schwiizertüütsch), they might say 'wenn’s gaht' or 'so guet wie’s gaht.' In modern German startups, English influence is high. You might hear 'asap' (as soon as possible), but 'nach Möglichkeit' remains the preferred choice for internal Slack messages to maintain a friendly but professional vibe.
The Email Magic
If you are asking for a favor in an email, always add 'nach Möglichkeit.' It increases your chances of a positive response by 50% because it removes the pressure.
Don't over-use
If you use it in every sentence, you will sound indecisive. Use it only for the most important requests.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'if possible' in any situation.
- Softens requests to make them sound less like demands.
- Used to show flexibility and respect for others' time.
What It Means
Think of nach Möglichkeit as your linguistic safety net. It translates to "if possible" or "wherever feasible." You use it when you want something to happen. However, you aren't making it a strict demand. It softens your request and shows you are reasonable. It’s like saying, "I’d love this, but I understand if life gets in the way."
How To Use It
This phrase is incredibly flexible in a sentence. You can drop it right in the middle. For example: "Komm nach Möglichkeit heute vorbei." You can also put it at the start. "Nach Möglichkeit sollten wir morgen anfangen." It usually functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the entire action of the sentence. It’s a "plug and play" expression for B1 speakers.
When To Use It
Use it when you have a preference but aren't a tyrant. It’s perfect for work emails when asking for favors. Use it with friends when suggesting a meeting time. It’s great for travel requests, like asking for a window seat. It shows you are organized but also chill. Use it when you want to sound like a polite local.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are absolutely mandatory. If your boss says "Do this now," don't reply with nach Möglichkeit. It sounds like you might just ignore the task. Avoid it in emergency situations where clarity is life-or-death. Also, don't use it if you want to be 100% firm. If you say "No," just say "No." Adding "if possible" makes you sound indecisive there.
Cultural Background
Germans are often stereotyped as being very direct and rigid. In reality, German social etiquette relies heavily on these "softeners." Nach Möglichkeit is a classic example of German politeness. It respects the other person's schedule and autonomy. It’s a way to be precise about your desires without being pushy. It’s the "polite buffer" that keeps social gears grinding smoothly.
Common Variations
You will hear wenn möglich very often in casual speech. It’s slightly shorter and more direct. Sofern möglich is another one, though it feels a bit more formal. In very official documents, you might see nach Tunlichkeit. That one is quite old-fashioned and rare today. Stick to nach Möglichkeit for the best balance of tone. It’s the "Goldilocks" of German flexibility phrases.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a safe bet for B1 learners. It works in almost any register and helps you navigate the delicate balance of German politeness.
The Email Magic
If you are asking for a favor in an email, always add 'nach Möglichkeit.' It increases your chances of a positive response by 50% because it removes the pressure.
Don't over-use
If you use it in every sentence, you will sound indecisive. Use it only for the most important requests.
The 'German Out'
Remember that if a German says 'nach Möglichkeit,' they are being honest. They will try, but they aren't promising blood, sweat, and tears.
Examples
6Komm nach Möglichkeit pünktlich.
Come on time if possible.
Softens the expectation of punctuality.
Senden Sie mir die Datei nach Möglichkeit bis morgen.
Send me the file by tomorrow if possible.
Professional way to set a soft deadline.
Bring nach Möglichkeit noch Milch mit!
Bring some milk along if possible!
Casual request that isn't a strict order.
Vermeide nach Möglichkeit, vor dem ersten Kaffee mit mir zu reden.
If possible, avoid talking to me before my first coffee.
Using formal phrasing for a funny personal rule.
Ich möchte nach Möglichkeit dieses Jahr nach Italien reisen.
I would like to travel to Italy this year if possible.
Expresses a desire with a hint of realism.
Ich hätte nach Möglichkeit gerne einen Tisch am Fenster.
I would like a table by the window if possible.
Polite way to state a preference to staff.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the polite request.
Bitte senden Sie uns die Dokumente ____ __________ bis Montag.
'nach Möglichkeit' is the fixed expression for 'if possible.'
Which sentence is the most polite for a professional email?
You want a colleague to call you back.
It expresses a request clearly but politely without the aggression of 'sofort' or the vagueness of 'vielleicht.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a hotel and want a quiet room.
Using 'hätte gerne' with 'nach Möglichkeit' is the gold standard for polite requests in service industries.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Können wir das Meeting verschieben? B: Ja, ____ __________ auf morgen Vormittag.
B is suggesting a new time while remaining flexible.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBitte senden Sie uns die Dokumente ____ __________ bis Montag.
'nach Möglichkeit' is the fixed expression for 'if possible.'
You want a colleague to call you back.
It expresses a request clearly but politely without the aggression of 'sofort' or the vagueness of 'vielleicht.'
Situation: You are at a hotel and want a quiet room.
Using 'hätte gerne' with 'nach Möglichkeit' is the gold standard for polite requests in service industries.
A: Können wir das Meeting verschieben? B: Ja, ____ __________ auf morgen Vormittag.
B is suggesting a new time while remaining flexible.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is almost always singular: 'nach Möglichkeit.' The plural would imply choosing between different specific options.
Yes, but 'wenn's geht' is more common and less 'office-like' for close friends.
Not exactly. 'Asap' (so schnell wie möglich) emphasizes speed. 'Nach Möglichkeit' emphasizes feasibility and politeness.
Usually after the verb or the subject. 'Ich komme nach Möglichkeit morgen.'
Yes, it is considered formal to neutral. It is perfect for professional environments.
No, that sounds very strange. Stick to the fixed phrase.
'Nach Möglichkeit' is slightly more formal and sounds more 'educated.'
Yes! 'Nach Möglichkeit sollten wir heute fertig werden.'
Yes, though you might also hear 'nach Tunlichkeit.'
Yes, 'nach' always takes the dative, but since there is no article or adjective, you don't see the ending.
Related Phrases
soweit möglich
synonymas far as possible
wenn möglich
similarif possible
nach Belieben
contrastat your leisure / as you like
unmöglich
contrastimpossible
ermöglichen
builds onto make possible
