German · Greetings & Essentials
"Maybe" in German: vielleicht
vielleicht
Maybe in German is vielleicht. Put it first: Vielleicht komme ich. Softer hedges use vielleicht später.
Weekend plan
Vielleicht gehe ich schwimmen.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce vielleicht
Say it
fee-LIKHT
/fiˈlaɪçt/
fee-LIKHT. Soft v as f. Soft ch. Stress -leicht.
"Maybe" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| vielleicht | maybe / perhaps Default adverb. | Default adverb. |
| vielleicht später | maybe later Soft delay. | Soft delay. |
| vielleicht doch | maybe after all Changing mind. | Changing mind. |
| ja, vielleicht | yes, maybe Hesitant yes. | Hesitant yes. |
How to use vielleicht in real life
- 1Weekend plan
Vielleicht gehe ich schwimmen.
Maybe I will go swimming.
Vielleicht first.
- 2Soft no
Heute nicht — vielleicht morgen.
Not today — maybe tomorrow.
Vielleicht + time.
- 3Guessing
Vielleicht hat er den Bus verpasst.
Maybe he missed the bus.
Vielleicht + clause.
Mistakes English speakers make with vielleicht
Incorrect: may be als zwei Wörter
Correct: vielleicht
German uses one word: vielleicht.
Incorrect: vielleich
Correct: vielleicht
Keep the final t: vielleicht.
Good to know
Vielleicht is the default soft maybe. Eventuell sounds a bit more formal. Germans also shrug with Jein when torn between yes and no.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Evening plans
ChatPal
Kommst du mit ins Kino?
Are you coming to the movies?
You
Vielleicht. Ich bin müde.
Maybe. I am tired.
ChatPal
Vielleicht später ein kürzerer Film?
Maybe later a shorter movie?
You
Ja, vielleicht. Schreib mir um sieben.
Yes, maybe. Message me at seven.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Maybe" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Maybe" in German
How do you say maybe?
Vielleicht.
Maybe later?
Vielleicht später.
Is eventuell the same?
Similar; more formal.
Where does vielleicht go?
Often first in the sentence.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
