voraussichtlich in 30 Seconds
- Voraussichtlich means 'expectedly' or 'presumably' based on a plan.
- It is more formal than 'wahrscheinlich' and common in business.
- You will hear it constantly in German train stations and news.
- It can be an adverb (expectedly) or an adjective (expected).
The German word voraussichtlich is a cornerstone of professional and formal communication. At its heart, it functions as an adverb or adjective that bridges the gap between certainty and possibility. It translates most accurately to 'presumably,' 'expectedly,' or 'according to current plans.' Unlike 'wahrscheinlich' (probably), which deals with statistical likelihood, 'voraussichtlich' implies a structured expectation based on a schedule, a calculation, or a logical progression of events.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from 'voraus' (ahead) and 'Sicht' (sight/view), literally meaning 'with a view toward what is ahead.'
- Grammatical Function
- Primarily used as an adverb to modify verbs or as an uninflected adjective in the predicate.
- Contextual Nuance
- It suggests that while nothing is 100% certain, all current evidence points to a specific outcome.
Der Zug hat voraussichtlich 10 Minuten Verspätung.
When you use this word, you are signaling to your listener that you are making an informed prediction. It is the language of logistics, weather forecasting, and project management. If a project is 'voraussichtlich fertig' on Monday, it means the plan says Monday, barring any unforeseen disasters. It is more formal than 'wahrscheinlich' and carries a weight of officiality. In a business setting, using 'voraussichtlich' shows that you are adhering to a timeline or a set of data rather than just guessing.
Die Bauarbeiten werden voraussichtlich bis Ende des Jahres dauern.
In everyday life, you encounter this word most frequently in public transport announcements or when checking delivery statuses. If Amazon says your package arrives 'voraussichtlich morgen,' they are looking at their tracking data. It is a word that manages expectations while maintaining a high degree of confidence. It avoids the vagueness of 'vielleicht' (maybe) and the absolute nature of 'bestimmt' (definitely).
Das Wetter wird voraussichtlich am Wochenende besser.
- Synonym Comparison
- Wahrscheinlich (Probability) vs. Voraussichtlich (Planning/Expectation).
Wir werden voraussichtlich gegen 18 Uhr ankommen.
Die Kosten belaufen sich voraussichtlich auf 500 Euro.
Using 'voraussichtlich' correctly requires understanding its position in a sentence and its tone. As an adverb, it usually sits in the 'Mittelfeld' (middle field) of a German sentence, often right after the conjugated verb or the subject. For example, 'Ich werde voraussichtlich kommen.' If you want to emphasize the expectation, you can start the sentence with it: 'Voraussichtlich wird das Projekt am Freitag abgeschlossen.' This shifts the focus to the timeline itself.
One of the most common ways to use it is in combination with time indications. Phrases like 'voraussichtlich am Montag,' 'voraussichtlich nächste Woche,' or 'voraussichtlich gegen Abend' are ubiquitous. It acts as a buffer. If you say 'Ich komme um 8,' and you arrive at 8:05, you are late. If you say 'Ich komme voraussichtlich um 8,' you have provided a professional estimate that allows for minor deviations.
In written German, particularly in emails, 'voraussichtlich' is the gold standard for discussing deadlines. Instead of saying 'Ich denke, ich bin fertig,' which sounds uncertain and slightly amateur, say 'Die Bearbeitung wird voraussichtlich zwei Tage in Anspruch nehmen.' This sounds authoritative and organized. It shows that you have analyzed the task and have a projected timeline.
It can also be used as an attributive adjective, though this is less common than its adverbial use. For example: 'der voraussichtliche Termin' (the expected date). Here, it must be declined according to the gender, case, and number of the noun it precedes. 'Am voraussichtlichen Ende der Sitzung...' (At the expected end of the meeting...). This usage is very formal and often found in legal or administrative documents.
If you live in Germany, you will hear 'voraussichtlich' every single day if you use public transportation. The Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) is the primary user of this word. 'Gleiswechsel. Der ICE nach München fährt heute voraussichtlich von Gleis 12.' In this context, it is used to manage the flow of thousands of people based on real-time data that might still change. It is the language of 'current information.'
Another major arena is the news, specifically weather and economic forecasts. Meteorologists will say, 'Es bleibt voraussichtlich trocken,' meaning the current satellite data suggests no rain, though nature is unpredictable. Economic experts use it to discuss growth rates, inflation, or stock market trends: 'Die Inflation wird voraussichtlich im nächsten Quartal sinken.' In these cases, it signifies that the statement is backed by models and expert analysis.
In the workplace, you'll hear it in every 'Fix-Termin' or status meeting. Managers use it to set expectations without making promises they can't keep. 'Wir werden das Ziel voraussichtlich erreichen.' It is also common in automated phone systems: 'Die voraussichtliche Wartezeit beträgt 10 Minuten.' This use of the word is designed to reduce customer frustration by providing a data-driven estimate.
The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 'voraussichtlich' with 'wahrscheinlich.' While they are often interchangeable in casual speech, 'voraussichtlich' implies a plan or a calculation, whereas 'wahrscheinlich' is a general feeling of probability. If you say 'Es regnet voraussichtlich,' it sounds like the rain was scheduled. 'Es regnet wahrscheinlich' is more natural unless you are a weather reporter.
Another mistake is the word order. Because 'voraussichtlich' is a long word, learners sometimes hesitate on where to put it. Remember that as an adverb, it follows the standard rules of the 'Mittelfeld.' Don't separate it from the time expression it modifies. Say 'voraussichtlich morgen' together, don't put other words between them.
Spelling is also a hurdle. The double 's' and the 'ch' at the end can be tricky. Remember it comes from 'voraus' (one 's') and 'Sicht' (sight). Some learners accidentally write 'vorraussichtlich' with a double 'r', but 'vor' only has one 'r'. Another common error is using it to mean 'proactive.' In English, 'proactive' is sometimes confused with 'foresighted,' but 'voraussichtlich' only means 'expected.' If you want to say someone is proactive, use 'proaktiv' or 'vorausdenkend.'
Understanding the synonyms of 'voraussichtlich' helps refine your level of certainty. Vermutlich is a close relative, but it leans more toward a guess or a suspicion. If you say 'Er ist vermutlich zu Hause,' you are guessing. If you say 'Er ist voraussichtlich zu Hause,' it implies you know his schedule and he should be there now.
Absehbar is another interesting synonym, often used in the phrase 'in absehbarer Zeit' (in the foreseeable future). It implies that the outcome is visible from where we currently stand. Mutmaßlich is much more formal and often used in legal contexts, meaning 'allegedly' or 'presumably' in a way that requires proof. You might hear about a 'mutmaßlicher Täter' (alleged perpetrator).
On the more certain side, you have sicherlich (certainly) and bestimmt (definitely). On the less certain side, you have vielleicht (maybe) and eventuell (possibly). 'Voraussichtlich' sits right in the middle-high range—about 75-85% certainty based on objective facts. It is the 'professional's probably.'
How Formal Is It?
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Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Examples by Level
Der Bus kommt voraussichtlich um 9 Uhr.
The bus is expected at 9 o'clock.
Adverbial use.
Voraussichtlich morgen ist schönes Wetter.
Presumably, the weather will be nice tomorrow.
Sentence starter.
Das Paket kommt voraussichtlich heute.
The package is expected today.
Positioned after the verb.
Wir sind voraussichtlich um 10 Uhr da.
We will presumably be there at 10.
Common spoken use.
Der Kurs beginnt voraussichtlich am Montag.
The course is expected to start on Monday.
Used with dates.
Voraussichtlich kostet es 20 Euro.
It will presumably cost 20 euros.
Used for estimates.
Die Pause ist voraussichtlich um 12 Uhr.
The break is expected at 12 o'clock.
Simple predicate.
Voraussichtlich ist er im Büro.
He is presumably in the office.
Expressing a likely location.
Die voraussichtliche Ankunft ist um 15:30 Uhr.
The expected arrival is at 15:30.
Adjectival use (nominative).
Wir werden voraussichtlich erst später essen.
We will presumably eat later.
Future tense with 'werden'.
Das Spiel findet voraussichtlich statt.
The game will presumably take place.
Used with separable verbs.
Voraussichtlich können wir am Freitag kommen.
Presumably, we can come on Friday.
Used with modal verbs.
Die Reparatur dauert voraussichtlich zwei Tage.
The repair will presumably take two days.
Duration estimate.
Voraussichtlich gibt es heute keinen Regen.
Presumably, there will be no rain today.
'Es gibt' construction.
Der Termin ist voraussichtlich am Dienstag.
The appointment is presumably on Tuesday.
Simple schedule.
Ich werde voraussichtlich nächste Woche fertig.
I will presumably be finished next week.
Personal estimate.
Die Bauarbeiten werden voraussichtlich bis Juni abgeschlossen sein.
The construction work will presumably be completed by June.
Future II passive context.
Voraussichtlich belaufen sich die Kosten auf 1000 Euro.
The costs will presumably amount to 1000 euros.
Formal verb 'belaufen'.
Das neue Modell ist voraussichtlich ab Herbst erhältlich.
The new model will presumably be available starting in autumn.
Business context.
Wir bitten die voraussichtliche Verspätung zu entschuldigen.
We ask you to excuse the expected delay.
Formal apology.
Voraussichtlich wird die Sitzung zwei Stunden dauern.
Presumably, the meeting will last two hours.
Inversion for emphasis.
Die voraussichtliche Lieferzeit beträgt drei Werktage.
The expected delivery time is three business days.
Standard e-commerce phrase.
Er wird voraussichtlich an der Konferenz teilnehmen.
He will presumably participate in the conference.
Professional prediction.
Voraussichtlich ändert sich der Plan noch einmal.
Presumably, the plan will change once more.
Managing uncertainty.
Trotz der Krise bleibt der voraussichtliche Gewinn stabil.
Despite the crisis, the expected profit remains stable.
Adjectival declension (masculine accusative).
Die voraussichtliche Entwicklung der Märkte ist schwer einzuschätzen.
The expected development of the markets is hard to assess.
Abstract noun phrase.
Voraussichtlich wird das Gesetz erst im nächsten Jahr verabschiedet.
Presumably, the law will not be passed until next year.
Political context.
Aufgrund der Wetterlage verschiebt sich der Start voraussichtlich.
Due to the weather situation, the start will presumably be delayed.
Causal clause 'aufgrund'.
Die voraussichtliche Teilnehmerzahl liegt bei etwa fünfzig Personen.
The expected number of participants is around fifty people.
Precise estimation.
Voraussichtlich können wir die Deadline einhalten.
Presumably, we can meet the deadline.
Workplace communication.
Das voraussichtliche Ende der Veranstaltung ist für 22 Uhr geplant.
The expected end of the event is planned for 10 PM.
Formal planning.
Voraussichtlich wird die Nachfrage in den kommenden Monaten steigen.
Presumably, demand will increase in the coming months.
Economic forecasting.
In Anbetracht der aktuellen Datenlage ist mit einer voraussichtlichen Besserung zu rechnen.
In view of the current data situation, an expected improvement is to be anticipated.
Complex prepositional phrase.
Voraussichtlich wird die Reform weitreichende Konsequenzen für den Arbeitsmarkt haben.
Presumably, the reform will have far-reaching consequences for the labor market.
Analytical tone.
Die voraussichtliche Dauer der Genesung hängt von vielen Faktoren ab.
The expected duration of recovery depends on many factors.
Scientific/medical context.
Voraussichtlich lässt sich der Konflikt nur durch Mediation lösen.
Presumably, the conflict can only be resolved through mediation.
Passive substitute with 'lässt sich'.
Die voraussichtliche Wirkungsweise des Medikaments wurde in Studien belegt.
The expected mode of action of the drug has been proven in studies.
Technical terminology.
Voraussichtlich wird die Technologie in fünf Jahren marktreif sein.
Presumably, the technology will be ready for the market in five years.
Innovation forecasting.
Das voraussichtliche Ergebnis der Wahl bleibt bis zuletzt ungewiss.
The expected result of the election remains uncertain until the very end.
Political analysis.
Voraussichtlich wird die Investition erst langfristig Früchte tragen.
Presumably, the investment will only bear fruit in the long term.
Idiomatic expression 'Früchte tragen'.
Die voraussichtliche Divergenz zwischen Theorie und Praxis wurde im Diskurs oft thematisiert.
The expected divergence between theory and practice has often been discussed in the discourse.
Academic abstraction.
Voraussichtlich wird die demografische Entwicklung die Sozialsysteme vor enorme Herausforderungen stellen.
Presumably, demographic development will present the social systems with enormous challenges.
Sociopolitical analysis.
In der voraussichtlichen Annahme einer Einigung wurden die Verträge bereits vorbereitet.
In the expected assumption of an agreement, the contracts have already been prepared.
Legal/pre-emptive context.
Voraussichtlich wird die künstliche Intelligenz die Arbeitswelt grundlegend transformieren.
Presumably, artificial intelligence will fundamentally transform the world of work.
High-level future projection.
Die voraussichtliche Tragweite dieser Entscheidung ist zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt kaum absehbar.
The expected scope of this decision is hardly foreseeable at this point in time.
Philosophical/strategic tone.
Voraussichtlich wird die globale Erwärmung zu einer Zunahme von Extremwetterereignissen führen.
Presumably, global warming will lead to an increase in extreme weather events.
Scientific consensus phrasing.
Das voraussichtliche Scheitern des Projekts war bereits in der Planungsphase erkennbar.
The expected failure of the project was already recognizable in the planning phase.
Retrospective analysis.
Voraussichtlich wird die philosophische Debatte über den freien Willen nie zu einem endgültigen Abschluss kommen.
Presumably, the philosophical debate about free will will never reach a final conclusion.
Metaphysical discussion.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Die voraussichtliche Ankunft
Der voraussichtliche Termin
Voraussichtlich wird es...
Wie voraussichtlich geplant
Voraussichtlich ab sofort
Voraussichtlich bis auf Weiteres
Voraussichtlich nicht möglich
Voraussichtlich wieder lieferbar
Die voraussichtlichen Kosten
Voraussichtlich am nächsten Werktag
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
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Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Indicates about 80% certainty based on a plan.
Highly recommended for B1+ learners in work environments.
- Writing 'vorraussichtlich' with two 'r's.
- Using it for subjective feelings instead of objective plans.
- Forgetting to decline it when used as an adjective.
- Placing it at the end of the sentence (it belongs in the middle).
- Confusing it with 'vorsorglich' (as a precaution).
Tips
Business Emails
Always use 'voraussichtlich' when giving a delivery date or a project deadline to sound professional.
Word Order
If you start a sentence with 'Voraussichtlich', the verb must come next (V2 rule).
Train Stations
When you hear 'voraussichtlich' at a station, look at the board immediately; something has changed.
Synonyms
Learn 'aller Voraussicht nach' as a more sophisticated alternative to 'wahrscheinlich'.
The 'Sicht' Trick
If you can remember 'Sicht' (sight), you can spell the middle of the word correctly.
Soft 'ch'
Practice the 'ch' sound in 'lich' to ensure you don't sound like you're saying 'lick'.
German Directness
Using this word is a way of being direct about uncertainty without being vague.
Adjective Ending
Double-check your adjective endings when using 'der voraussichtliche...'
Data-Driven
Use it when you have a reason for your prediction, not just a gut feeling.
Quick Reply
In a chat, 'Voraussichtlich ja' is a great professional way to say 'Probably yes'.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Germanic
Cultural Context
Germans use this word to maintain the appearance of punctuality even when delays occur.
It is the official language of the state and public utilities.
In emails, it is the standard way to propose dates.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"Wann bist du voraussichtlich fertig?"
"Wird das Wetter voraussichtlich so bleiben?"
"Wann kommt der Zug voraussichtlich an?"
"Sind die Kosten voraussichtlich im Budget?"
"Wann können wir voraussichtlich mit einer Antwort rechnen?"
Journal Prompts
Schreibe über deine voraussichtlichen Pläne für das nächste Jahr.
Was sind die voraussichtlichen Herausforderungen in deinem Job?
Beschreibe einen voraussichtlichen Tagesablauf in deiner Traumstadt.
Welche voraussichtlichen Änderungen siehst du in der Welt durch KI?
Plane eine voraussichtliche Reise durch Deutschland.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be both. As an adverb, it's uninflected (Ich komme voraussichtlich). As an adjective, it's inflected (der voraussichtliche Termin).
Yes, it is very common in weather reports to indicate the expected conditions based on data.
'Voraussichtlich' implies a plan or schedule, while 'wahrscheinlich' is a general probability.
Remember: vor + aus + sicht + lich. Only one 'r' and one 's' in 'voraus'.
Yes, it is more formal than 'wahrscheinlich' and very common in business and official announcements.
Usually in the 'Mittelfeld', after the verb or subject, or at the very beginning for emphasis.
Usually no. It's for events, schedules, and outcomes, not usually for 'He will presumably be angry'.
As an adjective, yes (die voraussichtlichen Kosten). As an adverb, no.
Yes, especially in professional contexts or when talking about travel.
The most common opposite is 'ungewiss' (uncertain) or 'unvorhersehbar' (unforeseeable).
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Summary
Use 'voraussichtlich' to sound professional when making predictions based on a schedule or data. It manages expectations by signaling that while an event is planned, it is not yet a 100% certainty.
- Voraussichtlich means 'expectedly' or 'presumably' based on a plan.
- It is more formal than 'wahrscheinlich' and common in business.
- You will hear it constantly in German train stations and news.
- It can be an adverb (expectedly) or an adjective (expected).
Business Emails
Always use 'voraussichtlich' when giving a delivery date or a project deadline to sound professional.
Word Order
If you start a sentence with 'Voraussichtlich', the verb must come next (V2 rule).
Train Stations
When you hear 'voraussichtlich' at a station, look at the board immediately; something has changed.
Synonyms
Learn 'aller Voraussicht nach' as a more sophisticated alternative to 'wahrscheinlich'.
Related Content
More business words
Abgabe
B1levy, duty, fee, submission
abgleichen
B1to reconcile, to compare, to balance
ablegen
B1To file, put down; to place documents in a systematic order.
abrechnen
B1To bill or settle accounts, to calculate and present a charge.
Abteilung
A2department, section
abwickeln
B1To handle, process; to deal with or manage.
Akte
B1A collection of documents on a particular subject or case.
Aktie
B1Share, stock; a unit of ownership in a company.
Aktionär
A2shareholder, stockholder (male)
Aktionärin
A2shareholder, stockholder (female)
